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Symptom9 connections · 3 sources

Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity that compresses the lungs and restricts breathing. In cats, it is a hallmark sign of mediastinal lymphoma.

Key Facts

  • Fluid accumulates when lymphoma blocks normal chest drainage
  • Causes shallow, rapid breathing and sometimes open-mouth breathing
  • Fluid can be tapped with a needle for both relief and diagnostic analysis
  • Lymphoma cells are usually found in the fluid sample
  • Most mediastinal lymphoma patients are young cats (<5 years), 80% FeLV-positive
  • Species: cats

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