Surgical and nonsurgical management of and selected risk factors for spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs: 64 cases (1986–1999)

Abstract

Results suggest that recurrence and mortality rates for dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax managed surgically were significantly lower than rates for dogs managed by nonsurgical means alone. Early surgical intervention is recommended for definitive diagnosis and treatment of dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax.

Congenital Lobar Emphysema and Tension Pneumothorax in a Dog

“…[1][2][3]6,7,11,14,17 Tension pneumothorax (TPT) is seldom reported in animals and is a rapidly fatal pathologic condition, characterized by the presence of intrapleural air at higher than atmospheric pressure throughout the entire respiratory cycle. 13 The term spontaneous pneumothorax is used to describe the entry of air into the pleural space without underlying traumatic or iatrogenic causes. 12 Here, we describe a case of CLE predisposing to alveolar hyperinflation and rupture, resulting in fatal spontaneous TPT.…”

Spontaneous Pneumothorax in a Dog Secondary to Dirofilaria Immitis Infection

“…3,5,7,10,12,13 The primary cause of spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs and human beings is rupture of subpleural bullae or blebs. 1,7,12 Bullae are large cystic air spaces within the pulmonary parenchyma radiographically characterized by a barely perceptible rim or no rim around the hyperlucent lesion. 1,6,14,15 Bullae result from destruction, dilation, and confluence of adjacent alveoli, but the pathogenesis is not completely understood.…”

“…12 Conservative therapy usually results in persistence or recurrence of pneumothorax. 7 In endemic areas, D. immitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dogs who present with spontaneous pneumothorax, even when minimal or no signs of heartworm infection or bullous lesions are identified radiographically.…”

“…1 Traumatic pneumothorax is common in dogs, whereas spontaneous pneumothorax is relatively rare. 9,12 Reported causes include pulmonary blebs or bullous emphysema, lobar emphysema, bacterial pneumonia, pulmonary abscesses, dirofilariasis, paragonimus infection, and neoplasia. 3,5,7,10,12,13 The primary cause of spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs and human beings is rupture of subpleural bullae or blebs.…”

“…9,12 Reported causes include pulmonary blebs or bullous emphysema, lobar emphysema, bacterial pneumonia, pulmonary abscesses, dirofilariasis, paragonimus infection, and neoplasia. 3,5,7,10,12,13 The primary cause of spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs and human beings is rupture of subpleural bullae or blebs. 1,7,12 Bullae are large cystic air spaces within the pulmonary parenchyma radiographically characterized by a barely perceptible rim or no rim around the hyperlucent lesion.…”