A pneumothorax condition is defined as free air within the pleural space (chest cavity). The naturally occurring intra-pleural pressure maintains an equilibrium of roughly 5 cmH20, similar to a vacuum which allows easy expansion of the lungs. However, unwanted air can enter this vacuum system and the equilibrium is set to match that of the chest cavity rather than the lungs. Pneumothorax can occur due to trauma, such as the action of a punctured lung will allow atmospheric air to enter the pleural space.
Pneumothorax in cats is characterized by air occupying the space surrounding the lungs. The lungs are the body’s natural oxygen storage organs, expanding as the feline inhales, but if air is surrounding the lungs it restricts normal lung activity. Pneumothorax in cats can be caused by ruptured lung tissues, blunt force trauma and bite wounds. If your cat is suffering from pneumothorax, he or she will have a great breathing difficulty, which is often fatal if left untreated.
Pneumothorax Average Cost
From 377 quotes ranging from $1,000 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Pneumothorax in cats will make inhalation and exhalation extremely difficult for the feline. The most prominent symptom of cats suffering from pneumothorax is difficulty breathing (dyspnea), but other clinical signs a cat owner may notice in the case of pneumothorax in cats includes:
Types
Pneumothorax in cats is classified into three separate groups; iatrogenic, spontaneous and traumatic.
Iatrogenic Pneumothorax
The result of medical mishap during a surgical procedure. Common surgical procedures that sometimes result in pneumothorax in cats include lung surgery, intubation, thoracostomy tube placement, thoracentesis and bronchoscopy.
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
The result of no obvious underlying cause, without trauma. Common causes of spontaneous pneumothorax include:
Traumatic Pneumothorax
The most common cause of pneumothorax in cats caused by:
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Air can enter the chest cavity in one of two ways, termed open and closed pneumothorax. Open pneumothorax is caused by a hole in the chest wall allowing outside air to enter the pleural space surrounding the lungs. Open pneumothorax in cats is often caused by a bite wound, gunshot to the chest, or blunt force trauma causing a broken rib to tear a hole through the chest wall. Closed pneumothorax is caused by a respiratory leak in the esophagus or other parts of the respiratory system. A closed pneumothorax in cats is often the result of ruptured lung tissues, tumors, and parasite infestation.
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Your veterinarian will begin his or her diagnosis of pneumothorax by reviewing your feline’s medical history and conducting a thorough physical examination. The doctor will listen to the cat’s lung auscultation using a tool called a stethoscope, which will allow the veterinarian to determine respiratory rate and abnormal breathing sounds. After listening to the feline’s lung sounds and speaking with you about clinical signs noted at home, the vet will likely request the following diagnostic exams:
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Pneumothorax in cats is often treated as a medical emergency, therefore, your veterinarian will likely place the feline on supportive oxygen care for stabilization purposes. An oxygen cage, oxygen mask, or an esophageal tube may be placed to administer oxygen therapy. The doctor may proceed to conduct a procedure known as a thoracocentesis, which removes the air from the pleural cavity through the action of needle aspiration. If a large amount of air is occupying the chest cavity, the veterinarian may place a chest tube to allow larger amount of air to escape from the chest. If the condition was caused by trauma or leakage of a respiratory organ, the veterinarian will surgically repair the opening.
Pneumothorax in cats caused by parasites will require anti-parasitic drug therapy and underlying disease will be treated based on the veterinarian’s findings.
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Your cat will likely be hospitalized for a couple of days to remove the air from the lungs and ensure regular breathing habits are set in place. Once the feline is released from the hospital, exercise restrictions are recommended and follow-up care is to be expected. Some cases of pneumothorax in cats can be prevented by keeping the feline indoors when you are not home and keeping up-to-date on parasite preventatives.
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Pneumothorax Average Cost
From 377 quotes ranging from $1,000 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
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Marvel
Housecat
3 Weeks
Serious severity
2 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
My kitten was stepped pn by my roommate. He takes big spaced out breaths, breaths with mouth open, refuses to eat but searches his mom for a nipple, sleeps 99% of the time. And his meow his very quiet now. His lungs sound like someone messing with a plastic bag.
Sept. 10, 2018
Marvel's Owner
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May
domestic short hair
Eight Years
Mild severity
2 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My cat had a thoracentitis and during the procedure there was a point a small amount of the fluid came out pink tinged, but resolved. What could that have been indicative of? She later passed within an hour after breathing rapidly. She was thought to have some hard disease possibly and scheduled for a pluerectomy and tying off of her lymph duct the following week.
Aug. 7, 2018
May's Owner
2 Recommendations
A small amount of pink tinged fluid doesn’t tell us much, the pink colour may be due to a little bit of blood from the puncture wound to drain the fluid; examination of the fluid in more detail to look for cancerous cell or other indicators would have been more valuable. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 7, 2018
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Pneumothorax Average Cost
From 377 quotes ranging from $1,000 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
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