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Treatment

If the cat is diagnosed with cardiac tamponade, immediate pericardiocentesis (drawing the fluid out of the pericardial sac with a needle) is essential; however, this is rarely needed in cats.

Cats in respiratory distress will be stabilized with the use of administered oxygen and an oxygen cage. Some animals may need their pericardium surgically removed (pericardiectomy), if there is persistent effusion.

Living and Management

If symptoms of pericardial effusion should reoccur in your cat, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your pet has undergone a pericardiectomy, check the surgical incision every day to make sure it is clean, and that it is healing properly. There is always a risk of infection when the skin has been operated on.

If there is any itching, swelling, redness, or oozing at the surgical site, contact your veterinarian immediately for advisement.