TABLE 23-27.
Characteristics of Peritoneal Effusion Fluid
| Pure Transudate | Modified Transudate | Exudate | Chyle | Hemorrhage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance of fluid | Usually clear and colorless or occasionally amber-colored | Yellow or blood tinged, can be turbid | Turbid fluid | Milky or pinkish opaque | Red (blood) |
| Total protein (g/L) | <25 | >25 | >25, usually >30 | 25-60 | 35-75 |
| Specific gravity | <1.015 | 1.015-1.025 | >1.025 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Nucleated cells (×109/L) | <1 | 1-7 | >5 | 0.25-20 | 1-20, depending on peripheral count |
| Predominant cell types | Macrophages Mesothelial cells |
Macrophages Mesothelial cells Lymphocytes Erythrocytes Neutrophils (nondegenerate) +/−Neoplastic cells |
Neutrophils (non-degenerate, or degenerate, if bacterial) Macrophages Erythrocytes +/− Neoplastic cells |
Small lymphocytes Neutrophils Macrophages |
Erythrocytes Neutrophils Macrophages Mesothelial cells Neoplastic cells |
Adapted from Tasker S, Gunn-Moore D: Differential diagnosis of ascites in cats, In Practice 22:472, 2000.