The patient is a 3 year old male hamster. Fluid in abdominal & thoracic cavities. Placed on Lasix 4mg/kg PO BID 4 days ago. Decreased protein. Radiographs revealed abdominal swelling.
The patient is a 3 year old male hamster. Fluid in abdominal & thoracic cavities. Placed on Lasix 4mg/kg PO BID 4 days ago. Decreased protein. Radiographs revealed abdominal swelling.
Undefined liver nodules. Pericardial effusion and tamponade. Minor passive congestion.
The liver contained multiple nodular changes with isoechoic to hyperechoic nodules and coarse architecture. A large nodule was noted in the liver and measured 1 x 0.5 cm. This nodule was hypoechoic and distinct. A minor amount of ascites was noted in the abdomen. Rapid view of the heart revealed normal size and contractility, but pericardial effusion and an irregular heart beat were noted. The vena cava was dilated. Septal and free wall thicknesses were normal at 0.14 and 0.16 cm. Fractional shortening was 35%. LA:AO was 0.6.
None
Ultrasound-guided drainage of the pericardium in this patient and assessment of the fluid is recommended. Differentials include idiopathic pericardial effusion, pericarditis, and neoplasia. Ultrasound-guided FNA of the liver are also warranted. The hamster has a guarded prognosis depending upon underlying cytology. No Lasix is recommended in this patient as it will likely exacerbate the pericardial tamponade.
Neoplasia, vasculitis, complete heart failure, atrial thrombosis
See comments. No sampling was conducted in this case.
