The median survival time (MST) for dogs with cardiac tamponade (CT) varies from 1–3 months with hemangiosarcoma, to 5.2–24.8 months in heart-base-tumor related or non-neoplastic effusions. We evaluated the prognostic usefulness of clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic findings in dogs with CT. Data were collected retrospectively from 108 dogs with CT undergoing pericardiocentesis (PC) from 2006 to 2011. Dogs alive at 30 days following the first PC were defined as short-term survivors. Longer-term MST was determined from the medical records, and from follow-up telephone interviews. The prevalence of CT was one of 265 presented dogs (0.004%). The overall long-term MST was 44 days (range 0.5–1455). Dogs with a sonographically demonstrated cardiac mass had a shorter MST compared to others (19 vs. 90 days, p=0.005). Males were significantly over-represented. Golden Retriever dogs were over-represented and had a higher occurrence of idiopathic CT. Mixed breed dogs were under-represented. PC at the cardiology service, ascites upon presentation, an idiopathic CT, and pericardiectomy, were associated with a higher, while pallor and an inability to ambulate upon presentation were associated with a lower 30-day survival rate. Survival rates did not differ between dogs undergoing PC from the right or the left hemithorax. Survival rates did not differ between dogs undergoing a single and those undergoing several PCs. However, median time-intervals from the first-to-second and from the second-to-third PCs were significantly longer in survivors compared to non-survivors (35 vs. 9, p=0.001, and 21 vs. 5 days, p=0.04, respectively). Two dogs died prior to PC completion. Seven dogs had an underlying myxomatous mitral valve disease. Four of these were Dachshunds, of which three had a left atrial-wall rupture leading to an acute, hemorrhagic CT. In the remaining three, the pericardial effusate was a modified transudate. In 31 dogs, the drained effusate volume in the first PC significantly and positively correlated (r=0.77, p<0.0001) with the pre-PC sonographic apex-to-pericardial distance. There was no association between apex-to-pericardial distance (p=0.086) or volume of fluid drained during PC (p=0.5) with the 30-day survival. Generally, dogs presenting with CT have a poor long-term prognosis. However, Golden Retrievers, dogs selected for surgical pericardiectomy, those that present with ascites, without pallor, and are ambulatory and those with longer inter-pericardiocentesis intervals have higher survival rates. Survival rate is not affected by the side of hemithorax from which pericardiocentesis is performed.

Disclosures

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