🫁 Vet Guide 2025: Pneumothorax in Dogs and Cats – Causes, Treatment & Emergency Care Explained 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

💨 What Is Pneumothorax?

Pneumothorax refers to the presence of air in the chest cavity (outside the lungs but inside the ribcage), which interferes with lung expansion. This trapped air prevents the lungs from inflating properly, leading to breathing difficulties and potentially life-threatening collapse if untreated.

🚨 Signs and Symptoms

Pets with pneumothorax may show the following symptoms:

• 😮 Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
• 💨 Rapid respiratory rate
• 🐢 Exercise intolerance
• 😖 Chest pain
• 💙 Cyanosis (blue gums)
• 🔻 Collapsed lungs (visible on X-rays)
• 😴 Weakness or sudden collapse

If only a small amount of air enters the chest cavity, it may be reabsorbed naturally. But moderate to severe cases require urgent medical intervention.

🔍 Causes of Pneumothorax

There are several types and causes of pneumothorax:

1. Closed Pneumothorax

Caused by air leaking from the lungs, trachea, bronchi, or esophagus into the chest cavity. Common in conditions like lung cysts or ruptured bullae.

2. Open Pneumothorax

Air enters the chest cavity from an external wound, such as:

• 🦴 Animal bites
• 🔫 Gunshot wounds
• 🪡 Puncture wounds
• 🚗 Car accidents

3. Tension Pneumothorax

A rare but critical form where air enters the chest but cannot exit, creating progressive pressure that collapses the lungs further. This is a true veterinary emergency.

4. Iatrogenic Pneumothorax

This occurs during or after medical procedures like lung surgery, thoracentesis, or tracheal wash, where air unintentionally enters the chest cavity.

5. Spontaneous Pneumothorax

No known cause is identified. This can happen in dogs with undetected bullae or blebs (air-filled sacs) in their lungs.

🧪 Diagnosing Pneumothorax

Diagnosis is based on:

• 📋 Medical history
• 🐾 Physical exam – listening for muffled lung sounds, respiratory effort
• 🩻 Chest radiographs – show air in the pleural space and collapsed lung lobes
• 💉 Thoracentesis – A needle is used to draw air from the chest and relieve pressure
• 🧪 Advanced imaging (CT, ultrasound, MRI) in complex or recurrent cases

🛠️ Treatment Options

The treatment approach depends on the severity and cause of pneumothorax:

🟢 Mild Cases:

• 🛌 Cage rest for 1–2 weeks
• 🧘‍♂️ Calm environment to minimize exertion
• 🫁 Monitoring for breathing effort and oxygenation

🔴 Severe or Critical Cases:

• 🫁 Oxygen therapy in an oxygen cage
• 💉 Thoracentesis – to remove trapped air with a syringe
• 📦 Chest tube placement – continuous air evacuation
• 🔧 Surgery – to seal leaks or remove damaged lung lobes (lobectomy)

🐕 Surgery: When Is It Needed?

Surgery may be recommended if:

• 🔁 Air re-accumulates after repeated aspirations
• 🧬 Lung bullae (sacs) rupture repeatedly
• 💥 A major trauma requires internal chest repair

Dogs and cats have seven lung lobes (unlike humans who have five), so removing one or two lobes can be tolerated if necessary.

📈 Prognosis and Recovery

Prognosis depends on the type and timing of care:

• ✅ Early diagnosis and care = favorable outcomes
• 🚑 Delayed treatment in tension pneumothorax = high risk of death
• 🧬 Spontaneous pneumothorax with bullae = may require surgical intervention to prevent recurrence

🏠 Home Monitoring After Treatment

• 🫁 Watch for labored breathing or relapse
• 📞 Call your vet if appetite drops or activity changes
• 🚫 Avoid rough play, stairs, or exercise until cleared
• 🧼 Keep incision sites clean if surgery was performed

🩺 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Pneumothorax is a true emergency that demands fast action. Whether from trauma, surgery, or an unknown cause, air inside the chest cavity must be addressed immediately. Thankfully, with the right intervention, many pets make a full recovery.

If your pet is breathing rapidly, appears distressed, or collapses—go straight to the vet. Don't wait. Early intervention saves lives. 🐶🐱❤️

📲 Need Emergency Guidance? Ask A Vet 24/7

Whether you're facing post-op questions or want a second opinion before surgery, the Ask A Vet app is here for you. Chat with professionals like Dr Duncan Houston anytime you need fast, trusted answers. 🩺🫁🐾