Vet’s 2025 Guide to Canine Pulmonary Contusions 🩺 Diagnostics, Treatment & Recovery

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

🔍 What is a Pulmonary Contusion?

A pulmonary contusion is a bruise to the lung tissue, causing blood and fluid to collect in the alveoli and interstitium after blunt trauma to the chest—commonly from car accidents, falls, bites, or kennel collisions. Damage often continues to worsen over 24–48 hours, making early assessment and monitoring vital.

🫁 Who’s at Risk & How Frequent?

• Any dog suffering chest injury—especially from traffic accidents or falls, seen in up to 50% of such cases.
• Often occurs with rib fractures, hemothorax, pneumothorax, and diaphragmatic injury.
• Large or mixed breeds are more frequently affected, though all sizes can suffer.

⚠️ Signs & Symptoms

• Breathing abnormalities: rapid shallow breathing, dyspnea, wheezing, open-mouth breathing.
• Hemoptysis: coughing up blood or bloody discharge from nose/mouth.
• Trauma evidence: fractured ribs, bruised chest, neck pain.
• Shock signs: pale gums, rapid heartbeat, weakness, collapse.
• Delayed worsening: initial mild signs may progress over 1–2 days.

🧪 Diagnostic Work-Up

• History & exam: Any chest trauma is suspect; auscultation may reveal crackles, dull sounds.
• Imaging – X-rays: Interstitial to alveolar infiltrates, sometimes pleural fluid/pneumothorax. Serial imaging recommended as findings can lag.
• Ultrasound / FAST scan: Detects pleural fluid or pneumothorax quickly.
• Blood work: Check for anemia, organ values. Arterial blood gases in severe cases.
• CT scan: Ideal for clear visualization of bleeding, laceration, pseudocysts—when available.

❤️ Treatment Protocols in 2025

1. Stabilization & Oxygen Support

• Provide oxygen via nasal cannula, mask, or oxygen cage in mild cases.
• Severe respiratory distress may require intubation and mechanical ventilation.
• Use sedation/mild analgesia to ease stress—but avoid respiratory depression.

2. Fluid Management

• IV crystalloids support blood pressure, but avoid fluid overload to prevent worsening edema.
• Use cautious fluid therapy, guided by blood pressure and oxygenation.
• Administer diuretics (e.g., furosemide) if needed to reduce pulmonary fluid.

3. Pain Control

• NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam) and opioids (morphine, hydromorphone) help relieve chest trauma pain.
• Local analgesia (intercostal nerve blocks) should be considered.

4. Treat Concurrent Injuries

• Pneumothorax / hemothorax: Thoracocentesis or chest tube if needed.
• Rib fractures: Manage with pain meds; avoid tight bandaging that impedes breathing.
• Pulmonary laceration/pseudocyst: Usually observed; surgical drainage or thoracostomy if complications arise.

5. Monitoring & Hospital Care

• Hospitalize 48–72 hours; monitor respiratory rate, effort, SpO₂.
• Repeat chest X-rays every 24–48 hours.
• Monitor fluid status, weight, blood pressure, and bloodwork.

📅 Recovery & Prognosis

• Most mild–moderate contusions resolve in 5–10 days; radiographic signs often clear by 10 days.
• Severe cases may require weeks for full recovery, especially with rib fractures or lacerations.
• Mortality in dogs is relatively low (~7%), unless complicated by shock or concurrent injury.
• Long-term complications like fibrosis or reduced lung capacity are rare in dogs.

🏡 Ask A Vet At‑Home Support

• Track breathing rate, cough, behavior changes via app logs.
• Oxygen use & medication reminders (pain relief, diuretics).
• Photo uploads for breathing posture, muzzle color.
• Warning alerts for worsening signs or lethargy.
• Recheck scheduling for follow-up X-rays & chest exams.

🔍 Key Takeaways

• Always suspect pulmonary contusion after chest trauma; the condition may worsen over 1–2 days.
• Diagnosis relies on imaging plus clinical examination.
• Supportive care—oxygen, fluids, pain relief—is the cornerstone.
• Early intervention and monitoring reduce complications and improve outcomes.
• Ask A Vet brings continuity of care into your home—tracking, reminders, and peace of mind.

❤️ Conclusion

Pulmonary contusions in dogs are common after chest trauma—while potentially serious, with timely oxygen, fluid, and pain management, many dogs recover well. In 2025, dedicated hospital protocols plus structured at-home support from Ask A Vet ensure the best outcomes, helping pups breathe easier and families feel reassured. 🐾✨

Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – integrating emergency veterinary care with compassionate owner support.

Visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app to monitor breathing, manage meds, track recovery, and get reminders for rechecks—all from your phone. ❤️