Haemopericardium

Fluid accumulation within the pericardial sac may lead to fibrous thickening and opacity of the pericardium if prolonged. Villous proliferation of the serosa will occur due to the irritation caused by the presence of the fluid.

Large volumes of fluid within the pericardial sac may cause cardiac tamponade.

Whole blood within the pericardial sac, often associated with rupture of the heart or great vessels. Often due to rupture of the left atrium whose aetiology is unkown but postulated to be:

• Congenital.
• Idiopathic.

May also be associated with RTA trauma or ulcerative endocarditis due to uraemia in dogs with kidney failure.

Death usually reults due to cardiac tamponade.