Pleurovenous shunting technique for treatment of chylothorax in three dogs.

The operative technique for placement of a pleurovenous shunt catheter is described. Pleurovenous shunting was used in the surgical treatment of 3 dogs with chylothorax refractory to medical management. Chylothorax in 2 of the dogs was palliated, but because of severe restrictive fibrous pleuritis, the third dog was euthanatized during follow-up surgery.