Cardiac Tamponade During Catheterization of a Dog with Congenital Heart Disease

Perforation of the heart, which was confirmed by contrast radiography, occurred during venous cardiac catheterization of a dog. As tamponade developed within the next hour, changing physical signs (progressive muffling of heart sounds and murmur, disappearance of a precordial thrill, fall in blood pressure, and increase in heart rate with a weakening pulse) indicated the need for surgical relief in spite of insignificant fluoroscopic evidence. Treatment by thoracotomy, pericardiotomy, and blood replacement was successful. Evidence of a bidirectional ventricular septal defect and probable pulmonic stenosis was observed in angiocardiograms made an hour after the thoracotomy. The dog was discharged in good condition 12 days later. Examination 3 months later revealed no after effects of the cardiac catheterization and thoracotomy.