Cisterna chyli ablation with thoracic duct ligation for chylothorax: results in eight dogs

OBJECTIVE: To report use of combined cisterna chyli ablation (CCA) and thoracic duct ligation (TDL) for treatment of spontaneously occurring chylothorax in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Eight dogs with chylothorax. METHODS: TDL was performed through a right caudal intercostal thoracotomy and CCA through a left flank paracostal approach or ventral median celiotomy. Long-term outcome (range, 2-48 months; median, 11.5 months) was evaluated by telephone communication with owners. RESULTS: Seven dogs were free of clinical signs related to chylothorax at last follow-up (range, 4-48 months; median, 15.5 months). One dog was euthanatized 2 months after surgery because of lack of improvement. No major complications occurred from CCA. CONCLUSION: CCA and TDL resolved chylothorax in most dogs (88%). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CCA combined with TDL may improve the outcome of chylothorax in dogs.