Disorder - Pneumothorax (spontaneous)

Organ Systems Involved
Respiratory

Brief Description

A leakage of air into the pleural cavity (the area in the chest cavity surrounding the lungs), which happens without evidence of trauma.

Presenting Signs

If air leaks into the space in the chest cavity surrounding the lungs (the pleural cavity) the lungs are unable to inflate normally and the animal has difficulty breathing. This is a serious and life-threatening condition, and the more air is in the pleural cavity, the more the lungs collapse. If the pneumothorax occurs only on one side of the animal, the affected side may tend to bulge out and there are no breathing sounds. Affected dogs will experience a degree of difficulty breathing, which, although variable, is always significant. The change in pressure in the chest cavity can also affect the heart and circulation.

Dogs at Risk

Middle-aged dogs

Treatment

Surgical

PubMed References
Pneumothorax (spontaneous)

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
804


Contributor
Kylie Grant