Chylous Ascites in a Calf: A Case Report

Chylous ascites is a rare clinical condition, characterized by the accumulation of lymph in the peritoneal cavity with a high concentration of triglycerides. This report describes a case of chylous ascites diagnosed in a 9-month-old female mixed-breed calf with a history of abdominal distension. On admission to the hospital unit, the animal was standing with no signs of abnormal behavior. It exhibited a normal appetite but mild dehydration, and it had a normal respiratory rate, tachycardia, a bulging abdomen on both sides, and soft feces. Serum biochemical analysis revealed hypoalbuminemia. Gamma glutamyltransferase and aspartate aminotransferase serum activity, as well as concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine were within normal ranges. An odorless, light yellow milky fluid of viscous consistency and cloudy appearance was obtained via abdominocentesis. Cytology revealed a predominance of small lymphocytes, and biochemical evaluation of the peritoneal fluid revealed concentrations of 3.95 mmol/L triglycerides and 5.67 mmol/L total cholesterol. The intense abdominal distension associated with pulmonary compression resulted in the death of the animal. Anatomical changes in the urinary system, including ureteral ectopia and a large volume of chylous fluid in the abdominal cavity, were found at necropsy. The high concentration of triglycerides in the peritoneal fluid was 13 times higher than the serum concentration and the anatomopathological findings confirmed a diagnosis of chylous ascites of congenital origin.