Accumulations of excessive fluid in the pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial space represent edema of these body cavities. As such, the dynamics of fluid accumulation are governed by Starling's law. In general, pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial effusions can result from either inflammatory or non-inflammatory causes. Non-inflammatory edema results from arterial pressure (a rare cause in veterinary medicine), venous stasis, hypoalbuminemia (reduces plasma oncotic pressure), or lymphatic obstruction. Inflammation causes fluid accumulation through vascular damage and leakage.
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