Thoracocentesis

Thoracocentesis is the technical jargon for drainage of free fluid from the chest cavity. In some circumstances it is a life-saving procedure, because when the chest is very full of fluid the lungs cannot expand properly which can be fatal. The procedure is never done flippantly because it is inherently rather dangerous, and not very pleasant for the patient either.

Here is Ashleigh my veterinary nurse looking quite delighted with a measuring jug containing fluid drained from a cat's chest; over 400ml! The cat, who was anaesthetised for the thoracocentesis is feeling a lot better now.

I hope this doesn't provoke too many exclamations of "Yuck."