Fenestrated over-the-needle catheter fracture during thoracocentesis in a cat

A 6-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for recurrent pleural effusion, atrial fibrillation and suspected congestive heart failure. During thoracocentesis, the fenestrated over-the-needle catheter became fractured and a catheter fragment remained in the patient's left pleural space. Later in the course of treatment, the patient acutely decompensated and was euthanized. There were no immediately observed complications associated with the retained catheter fragment.