Pleural diseases

Question 1

What size needle should be used to drain a pleural effusion and at which intercostal space?

Answer 1

21G

7-8th intercostal space

Question 2

Give an example of what may cause a clear, watery transudate leading to pleural effusion

Answer 2

Hypoalbuminaemia

Question 3

Give example of what may cause a straw coloured, serosanginuous modified transudate leading to pleural effusion

Answer 3

Right-sided or bilateral CHF
Diaphragmatic rupture
Neoplasia

Question 4

What may cause a bloody pleural effusion?

Answer 4

Trauma
Neoplasia
Coagulopathy

Question 5

What may cause a chylous pleural effusion? (chylothorax)

Answer 5

Idiopathic - Afghan hounds, Bullmastiffs, oriental cats
CHF - R-sided in cats
Cranial vena caval obstruction
Trauma, lobe torsion

Question 6

What drug can be given to minimise chylothorax?

Answer 6

Rutin

May require surgery + low fat diet

Question 7

A pyothroax may require a 4-quadrant antibiotic treatment. Name the 3 antibiotics used

Answer 7

Amoxicillin
Metronidazole
Fluoroquinolones

Question 8

How often should a pyothorax have thoracic lavage after placing a chest drain?

Answer 8

Daily