These can be identified by the protein and cellular content of the sample.
These can be identified by the protein and cellular content of the sample.
−
The fluid fluid can give an indication of prognosis; in the cat prognosis is generally poor for all diagnosis except [[Pyothorax|pyothorax]] (an exudate with degenerate neutrophils and intracellular bacteria). Therefore it is often useful to perform in-house cytology to give a preliminary diagnosis, which allows the owners to make an informed decision before proceeding with further treatment. Differential diagnosis in the cat include [[Heart Failure|congestive heart failure]], [[Feline Infectious Peritonitis|FIP]], [[Pyothorax|pyothorax]], [[Neoplasia - Pathology|neoplasia]], [[Haemothorax|haemothorax]] and [[Chylothorax|chylothorax]].
+
The fluid fluid can give an indication of prognosis; in the cat prognosis is generally poor for all diagnosis except [[Pyothorax|pyothorax]] (an exudate with degenerate neutrophils and intracellular bacteria). Therefore it is often useful to perform in-house cytology to give a preliminary diagnosis, which allows the owners to make an informed decision before proceeding with further treatment. Differential diagnosis in the cat include [[Heart Failure|congestive heart failure]], [[Feline Infectious Peritonitis|FIP]], [[Pyothorax|pyothorax]], [[Neoplasia - Pathology|neoplasia]], [[Haemothorax|haemothorax]] and [[Chylothorax|chylothorax]]. It should be noted that any pleural effusion may produce bizarre mesothelial cells which could be mistaken for neoplastic cells.
=References=
=References=
Line 108:
Line 108:
Copas, V (2011) '''Diagnosis and treatment of equine pleuropneumonia''' ''In Practice 2011;33:155-162''
Copas, V (2011) '''Diagnosis and treatment of equine pleuropneumonia''' ''In Practice 2011;33:155-162''
+
+
RVC staff (2011) '''A logical approach to clinical problem solving''' RVC Feline Medicine Elective, ''Royal Veterinary College''