Animals (specifically cats and dogs) have a respiratory system similar to humans. The lungs function to take in oxygen from the air and expel carbon dioxide into the environment. The lungs are a vital organ necessary to sustain life.
Pneumothorax is the collection or accumulation of air or gas surrounding the lungs. A small or large hole in the chest cavity causes air to leak around the lungs making breathing difficult. You may notice an increase in their respiratory rate, exercise intolerance, chest pain, or even a bluish colour to their gums. This is an abnormal and serious condition that left untreated can cause an increase in breathing effort, respiratory distress or even death.
There are several causes of a pneumothorax. Direct chest trauma such as vehicular trauma or a severe blow to the chest wall or puncture wounds. Indirect medical conditions like cysts or abnormal growths can cause an opening in chest wall. And in many cases the cause of a pneumothorax is unknown.
Treating a pneumothorax often depends on the severity of the condition (traumatic injury is a true emergency and medical intervention is required immediately). Different treatments options may include (but not limited to) provided supplemental oxygen (via a nasal line or oxygen tent), chest radiographs, removing trapped air with a needle and syringe, bloodwork, placing a chest tube to remove air, or even surgical intervention.
The outcome of the above procedures can vary, often depending on severity of the condition, and when treatment was initiated.
