What are common causes of pericardial disease in dogs and cats?

Pericardial disease can have many causes, including pericardial effusion, tumours, infection or abnormal heart function. The specific cause usually needs imaging and laboratory tests to confirm, so discuss an examination plan with your vet.

Which test can find the problem most quickly?

Echocardiography is the preferred test for assessing pericardial effusion and heart function. It is often combined with blood tests, X-rays and pericardial fluid analysis to identify the cause. Follow your vet's advice on which tests are appropriate.

Does pericardial effusion always need drainage or surgery?

Whether drainage or surgery is needed depends on the amount of fluid, clinical signs and the underlying cause. Mild cases may be monitored, while severe or persistent signs usually require further treatment. Ask your vet what is appropriate for your pet.

What should I monitor after my pet comes home?

Record breathing rate, alertness and activity level, appetite and vomiting frequency, and take videos for reference. If your pet has difficulty breathing or collapses, seek veterinary care immediately or contact your vet.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Pericardial Disease in Dogs and Cats: Breathing Changes, Ultrasound & Care Guide [2025]

Fluid build-up or disease of the pericardium can affect heart function.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Persistent severe difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
•Sudden loss of mobility or collapse
•Gums or lips turning significantly purple-blue or pale

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Noticeably reduced activity, fatigue, or weakness
•Persistent coughing or rapid shallow breathing that eases with rest
•Decreased appetite or refusal to eat for more than one day

01What symptoms may mean something is wrong?

Pericardial disease often causes changes in breathing and overall condition. Signs can range from mild to severe, so observe your pet's overall behaviour and comfort closely.

Changes in behaviour or alertness: sleepiness, low energy or reduced interaction
Reduced activity, tiring easily or reluctance to exercise
Reduced appetite or ongoing refusal to eat
More frequent vomiting or repeated vomiting
Repeated coughing, faster breathing or laboured breathing

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Obvious difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
⚠️ Sudden inability to move normally or collapse
⚠️ Gums or lips that look distinctly blue-purple or pale

02How can I judge abnormal signs at home? Key observations and emergency warning signs

Observing and recording key information at home can help your vet assess the condition more quickly and plan appropriate diagnostics and treatment.

Record changes in alertness and activity level, including when they occur
Keep a daily note of appetite, water intake and toileting habits
Write down the frequency, timing and possible triggers of vomiting or coughing
Use your phone to record breathing or coughing videos for your vet to review
Note when the signs first appeared and whether they are continuing to worsen
If possible, promptly arrange a specialist appointment with cardiac ultrasound equipment

03How will the vet diagnose it? Common tests

At the clinic, the vet will usually start with a physical examination and imaging. Laboratory tests may also be recommended to identify the underlying cause and assess severity.

Complete blood count

checks for signs of infection or anaemia

Blood biochemistry

assesses liver and kidney function and electrolyte abnormalities

Urinalysis

evaluates kidney status and possible blood in the urine

Echocardiography

assesses the amount of pericardial effusion and heart function

Pericardial fluid testing

cytology or bacterial culture to help identify the cause

Chest X-rays

help assess heart size and the condition of the chest cavity

04What treatment and care are needed after diagnosis? Medication, diet adjustments and care guidance

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Hospital monitoring and imaging follow-up are often needed, and rechecks and tests are important for confirming response to treatment.

Depending on the cause, treatment may involve medication, drainage placement or further procedures
Tumours or specific underlying causes may require chemotherapy or surgery
During hospitalisation, oxygen support and close monitoring of vital signs may be needed
Follow-up ultrasound scans may be scheduled to monitor changes in pericardial effusion
Recheck visits help track blood test results and changes in clinical signs
Referral to a hospital with cardiac imaging or surgical specialists may be needed

05What should I prepare before seeing the vet? Key information that helps identify the cause faster

Record when the signs started, how they have developed and whether there were any possible triggers

Bring videos of vomiting, coughing or breathing episodes for the vet to review

List all current and past medications or supplements

Bring previous test reports or imaging results, if available, for comparison

If your pet is breathing rapidly, call ahead to ask whether an emergency visit can be arranged

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.