Editorial Type:
Scientific Reports

Chronic nonchylous lymphatic pleural effusion in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Jennifer P. RussellSeaWorld San Antonio Zoological Department, San Antonio, TX

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 BVetMed, MRCVS
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Steven D. OsbornSeaWorld San Antonio Zoological Department, San Antonio, TX

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Marina IvančićChicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL

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Juan J. Aristizabal-HenaoCenter for Environmental and Human Toxicology and Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

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John A. BowdenCenter for Environmental and Human Toxicology and Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

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Nancy StedmanSeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL

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Nicole I. StacyDepartment of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

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 DVM, DrMedVet, DACVP
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.21.06.0311
Volume/Issue:
Volume 260: Issue 9
Online Publication Date:
16 Mar 2022
Restricted access
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Abstract

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 19-year-old male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presented with inappetence and avoidant behavior.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

Ultrasound revealed a large-volume left-sided pleural effusion, which was consistent with chronic nonchylous lymphatic effusion and mild chronic hemorrhage by cytology. Computed tomography identified ipsilateral rib fractures, atelectasis, nodular pleuritis, marginal lymph node enlargement, and suspected dilation of the thoracic duct and internal thoracic veins. Fifteen lipids were significantly higher in serum of the dolphin as compared with controls (n = 3) using nontargeted lipidomics.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

A series of thoracentesis procedures were performed. Follow-up CT demonstrated marked reduction in pleural effusion with persistence of thoracic duct dilation and mass-like areas of pleural thickening. Ultrasonographic resolution of pleural effusion occurred 14 months after presentation; however, recrudescence was noted 5 months later. Over a total of 24 months, 21.52 L of pleural effusion was removed. Despite the presence of pleural effusion, the patient was clinically stable during this time and quality of life was considered good on the basis of continuous animal welfare evaluations. Humane euthanasia was elected following acute clinical decline 27 months after initial diagnosis. Necropsy confirmed severe pleural effusion, chronic severe pleural fibrosis with chronic hemorrhage, and mediastinal fibrosis with entrapped lymph nodes and thymic tissue.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Pleuritis and effusion were suspected sequelae of previous rib fractures. To our knowledge, this is the first report of nonchylous lymphatic pleural effusion with repeated pleural drainage and diagnostic imaging for clinical management in a bottlenose dolphin.

Abstract

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 19-year-old male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presented with inappetence and avoidant behavior.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

Ultrasound revealed a large-volume left-sided pleural effusion, which was consistent with chronic nonchylous lymphatic effusion and mild chronic hemorrhage by cytology. Computed tomography identified ipsilateral rib fractures, atelectasis, nodular pleuritis, marginal lymph node enlargement, and suspected dilation of the thoracic duct and internal thoracic veins. Fifteen lipids were significantly higher in serum of the dolphin as compared with controls (n = 3) using nontargeted lipidomics.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

A series of thoracentesis procedures were performed. Follow-up CT demonstrated marked reduction in pleural effusion with persistence of thoracic duct dilation and mass-like areas of pleural thickening. Ultrasonographic resolution of pleural effusion occurred 14 months after presentation; however, recrudescence was noted 5 months later. Over a total of 24 months, 21.52 L of pleural effusion was removed. Despite the presence of pleural effusion, the patient was clinically stable during this time and quality of life was considered good on the basis of continuous animal welfare evaluations. Humane euthanasia was elected following acute clinical decline 27 months after initial diagnosis. Necropsy confirmed severe pleural effusion, chronic severe pleural fibrosis with chronic hemorrhage, and mediastinal fibrosis with entrapped lymph nodes and thymic tissue.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Pleuritis and effusion were suspected sequelae of previous rib fractures. To our knowledge, this is the first report of nonchylous lymphatic pleural effusion with repeated pleural drainage and diagnostic imaging for clinical management in a bottlenose dolphin.

Supplementary Materials

    • Supplementary Figure S1 (PDF 144 KB)
    • Supplementary Figure S2 (PDF 173 KB)
    • Supplementary Figure S3 (PDF 186 KB)

Contributor Notes

Corresponding author: Dr. Russell (jennifer.russell@seaworld.com)
Cover Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
ISSN:
0003-1488
Publication Date:
16 Mar 2022
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