Successful resolution of idiopathic chylothorax with PleuralPort and medical management as palliative treatment in three cats

Three cats with idiopathic chylothorax were treated using a PleuralPort and medical palliation after conventional surgery was declined. No major peri/postoperative complications occurred. Owners initially performed pleural drainage at home twice daily. Rechecks were performed at 2, 12 and 30 days postoperatively, then every 3 months. Each visit included clinical examination, thoracic ultrasound scan and radiographs; drainage frequency was gradually decreased as pleural effusion production diminished. Complete resolution of pleural effusion was achieved in all three cats within a median of 3 months (mean 6 months). The median duration of follow‐up was 17 months (range: 15–35). The use of a PleuralPort as a palliative treatment for idiopathic chylothorax in combination with medical management resulted in a satisfactory clinical outcome, although owner commitment was critical. PleuralPort placement may represent an option for idiopathic chylothorax in cats when owners are unwilling to pursue conventional thoracic surgery, and warrants further investigation.