Trauma-Associated Pulmonary Laceration in Dogs—A Cross Sectional Study of 364 Dogs

Abstract

In this study, we describe the computed tomography (CT) features of pulmonary laceration in a study population, which included 364 client-owned dogs that underwent CT examination for thoracic trauma, and compared the characteristics and outcomes of dogs with and without CT evidence of pulmonary laceration. Lung laceration occurred in 46/364 dogs with thoracic trauma (prevalence 12.6%). Dogs with lung laceration were significantly younger than dogs in the control group (median 42 months (interquartile range (IQR) 52.3) and 62 months (IQR 86.1), respectively; p = 0.02). Dogs with lung laceration were significantly heavier than dogs without laceration (median 20.8 kg (IQR 23.3) and median 8.7 kg (IQR 12.4 kg), respectively p < 0.0001). When comparing groups of dogs with thoracic trauma with and without lung laceration, the frequency of high-energy motor vehicle accident trauma was more elevated in dogs with lung laceration than in the control group. No significant differences were observed between groups regarding tge frequency and length of hospitalization and 30-day mortality. Similar to the human classification scheme, four CT patterns are described in dogs in this study: Type 1, large pulmonary laceration located deeply in the pulmonary parenchyma or around an interlobar fissure; Type 2, laceration occurring in the paraspinal lung parenchyma, not associated with vertebral fracture; Type 3, subpleural lung laceration intimately associated with an adjacent rib or vertebral fracture; Type 4, subpleural lesions not associated with rib fractures. Complications were seen in 2/46 dogs and included lung abscess and collapse.

Traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts in nine dogs and two cats

“…Traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts are relatively rare and they remain poorly described in veterinary medicine. 3,[20][21][22][23] The literature reporting TPP in humans is more extensive, although a significant proportion of publications consists of case reports 4,25-29 with a few case series 1,[5][6][7]9,15,19,30,31 and no prospective studies. Most authors agree that the term traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst, proposed by Santos and Mahendra, is the most accurate 4,8,32 and for this reason, we elected to use the term TPP in this study.…”

“…Dogs and cats were included in the study if there was a history of recent trauma as well as cavitary pulmonary lesions with CT features compatible with TPP based on the previous descriptions in the human and veterinary literature. 3,8,[22][23][24] Dogs and cats with bullae and blebs associated with spontaneous pneumothorax or with incidentally identified bullae and blebs and no history of trauma were excluded. Cases were included if follow-up was available for a minimum of 4 months (if alive) or until death.…”

“…1,2 These lesions have been assigned various names in the literature, including traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts, traumatic pneumatocele, trauma-associated pulmonary lacerations, and traumatic lung cyst. 3,4 The exact mechanism leading to the development of TPP is unknown, but several theories have been proposed. Williams and Bonte suggested that concussive waves produced by the trauma create shearing forces that tear the lung parenchyma.…”

“…13 The veterinary literature on this topic is scant and consists of four clinical case reports and a single case series reporting the imaging findings. 3,[20][21][22][23] The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, imaging findings, treatment, and long-term outcome in a cohort of dogs and cats with TPP referred to a single multidisciplinary referral hospital.…”

Lung perforation caused by suture ends as a complication of lung lobectomy in a dog

“…Lung perforation is a disruption of the lung parenchyma most commonly secondary to trauma (e.g., a road traffic accident, dog bite or impalement), but can also occur spontaneously after bulla or bleb rupture in small animals or be iatrogenic 1,2 …”