Pleural Effusion is a condition where fluid or pus accumulates in an animals chest cavity compressing the lungs and heart. Leah Cohn, Professor of Veterinary Internal Medicine at the University of Missouri says that animals with pleural effusion have to breathe very rapidly because they can’t expand their lungs. They take short, shallow, rapid breaths. She says the pleural effusion has many potential causes such as infection and congestive heart failure.  Treatment will vary. If a pet is struggling to breath, most veterinarians will remove the fluid with a needle and syringe.  This is a process that may need to be repeated until the underlying cause of the fluid buildup can be cured.   If you notice your pet breathing very rapidly, take him to your vet right away.

Remember, pets are family!

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