Popliteal Lymphography in a Dog with Chylothorax

Signalment: A dog which had been hit by car a month prior and had been experiencing recurrent pleural chyle effusion was referred to Chung-buk National University Animal Medical Center. The clinical signs included tachypnea and salivation. Results: Ultrasound-guided popliteal lymphography was performed. The computed tomography imaging revealed that the thoracic duct was ruptured and the lymph was leaking into the cranial mediastinal region. After this discovery, thoracic duct ligation was performed. The ultrasound-guided popliteal lymphography was repeated after the surgery. The second computed tomography imaging revealed that the thoracic duct rupture was resolved. Clinical relevance: We identified the etiology of chylothorax through the computed tomographic lymphography and imaged specific leakage areas. After surgery, the computed tomography imgaing confirmed the lymphatic flow modification and the treatment was successful.