A brief note based on our experience. So in majority of cases chylothorax starts off very slowly and takes months to the point where you start noticing symptoms like sneezing or coughing with a significant sound and then gradually slight breathlessness, and finally the stages of slight forced breathing (abdominal breathing as chest cavity is full of chyle). Remember this often takes SEVERAL MONTHS!! Ok then what? Now that you noticed there is an issue you take them to the local vet and what do they do? Obviously thoracocentesis (draining via puncturing through the intercostal space). In our case he got some 250mL of milky fluid. They do radiographs checking for any obvious growths or malformations. Ask them TO DO ULTRASOUND ALSO!! Once this is done take your cat home. There is a slim possibility that there is some miraculous recovery. If not within few days chyle builds up again. This time if happens faster. So your NATURAL INCLINATION is to do more tapping. That’s fine BUT PLEASE FOR HEAVEN SAKE ENSURE WITH VET WHETHER THEY ARE PROFICIENT IN SELECTING AN APPROPRIATE SAFE ANESTHETIC DOSE!! Because your cat is already compromised on cardiac and respiratory functions!! Some vets FORGET THAT sending cats to cardiopulmonary arrest and cortical brain hypoxic damage. Anyways before going for the second tap check how proficient your vet is in doing it. ASK!!! There is also a risk to puncture/tear lung during the process inducing pneumothorax. Anyways be gentle when you get diagnosed so that your family carefully evaluates the options. It is NOT an easy process and IF the vet is inexperienced or doesn’t have a conservative approach it could do more harm than benefit. This is based on personal experience. Some may have benefitted but in our investigation it is rare Good luck all and may your pet NEVER get such an issue!!