Traumatic pneumothorax in golden retriever dog: A case report

Abstract

A male Golden Retriever dog aged 4 years weighing 30 kg was reported to the hospital with the history of car accident. The dog was having severe dyspnea and was in lateral recumbency. On physical examination there was no outward open injury on the body. Hyperechoic resonance was observed on thoracic percussion. Radiographic examination confirmed the case as a pneumothorax with elevated cardiac silhouette from sternal base. Thoracocentesis was carried out on emergency basis in initially at 8th and 11th intercostal space. Spontaneous recovery in respiratory pattern was observed post thoracocentesis. Reoccurrence of pneumothorax observed on 2nd day and from 3rd day onwards complete recovery in respiration without reoccurrence observed. Early recognition of the clinical signs of pneumothorax is important, especially in animals with tension pneumothorax, which can cause rapid deterioration and death. A thorough understanding of lifesaving procedures such as thoracocentesis is invaluable in routine veterinary practice.