Idiopathic "benign" pericarditis in dogs. Clinical and therapeutic reflections

The authors present a case of benign idiopathic pericarditis in dog, describing a clinical case. The most important reasons for pericardial effusion are analyzed. Clinical signs of cardiac tamponade and aspects of electrocardiographic examination are demonstrated. Inconsistent long-term results achieved using corticosteroid therapy induced the authors to perform partial pericardiectomy (pericardial fenestration). The surgical approach was curative and, one year later, the dog doesn't show any signs of clinical disease.