What does it mean for a dog to have fluid around the heart?

Fluid around the heart is abnormal and can cause numerous problems. Owners often notice their dogs are not as active, get tired more easily and have a harder time adapting to heat. Depending upon the type of fluid, treatment can be pharmaceutical (such as antibiotics for infection), medical (such as pericaridocentesis to draw off the fluid) or surgical (such as removing a portion of the pericardial sac).

It is important to have a full diagnostic work-up done on dogs with fluid around their hearts, as the cause of the fluid often determines the dog's prognosis.