Causes of pneumothorax in dogs

1. Trauma:

Trauma is the most common cause, which can be detected by X-ray and is often accompanied by slight dyspnea. Other symptoms, such as rib fractures, subcutaneous emphysema, emphysema, rupture of the trachea or bronchi; mechanisms include: cuts caused by rib fractures, rupture of the chest by strong external force or blunt force, chest wall The glottis is closed due to squeezing, causing excessive pressure inside the lungs and rupturing the lungs or bronchus; sometimes thoracentesis or specimen sampling may occur, which may cause iatrogenic trauma.

2. Spontaneous:

No trauma found, mostly in large, deep-chested dogs.

3. Primary:

Caused by the bursting of bubbles on the organ membrane.

4. Secondary:

Lesions of the lung itself.

5. Tension:

When the damaged area is wing-shaped, air can only enter the pleural cavity in one direction, causing intracavity pressure to rise, causing progressive collapse of the lungs, and venous reflux. It will become blocked and the dog will die quickly if not handled properly.

Symptoms of pneumothorax in dogs

1. Appearance:

The side of the chest wall with pneumothorax is expanded, and wounds and subcutaneous emphysema can be seen.

2. Auscultation:

Breathing sounds become smaller or even disappear, and heart and lung sounds seem to be wrapped in something.

3. Withdrawal diagnosis:

There will be a resonance sound.

4. Dyspnea:

Shallow breathing occurs due to compensatory dyspnea.

Treatment methods for pneumothorax in dogs

The treatment methods within the pleural cavity are mainly based on the cause. For example, traumatic pneumothorax can be effectively relieved by thoracentesis (because alveolar collapse will cause respiratory failure). difficulty). In addition, if it is an iatrogenic thoracotomy or long-term fluid drainage and pleural lavage are required, an intrathoracic catheter should be placed from the beginning.