Pericardial Effusion in Cats
 
Pericardial effusion is a condition in which an abnormally large amount of fluid collects in the pericardial sac that surrounds the cat's heart (pericardium). A secondary condition, referred to as cardiac tamponade, results from this retention of fluid, as the swelling of fluid applies pressure on the beating heart, compressing it and restricting its ability to pump blood.
 
The pressure inside the heart increases, and since the right atrium and ventricles normally have the lowest cardiac filling pressures, they are the most affected by cardiac tamp ...read more