Conservative Management of Spontaneous Pneumothorax in a Siberian Husky: A Case Report

Background: Spontaneous pneumothorax is defined by the presence of free air within the pleural space without associated trauma. Potential underlying causes of spontaneous pneumothorax are rupture of pulmonary bullae and blebs, neoplasia, pulmonary abscess, foreign body migration, pneumonia, parasitic disease, and active Dirofilaria immitis, with northern dog breeds being overrepresented. This condition can be managed medically by thoracocentesis or pleurodesis, or surgically, based on the underlying cause and clinical severity. Methods: A ۹-year-old, male, entire Siberian Husky presented with a sudden onset of coughing and increased respiratory effort without any history of trauma. On initial evaluation the patient was mildly hyperthermic (۳۹.۵ oC) and tachycardic (۱۸۰ bpm), with pale mucous membranes. Auscultation revealed decreased lung sounds bilaterally in the caudodorsal regions. The dog had a history of TVT and was receiving vincristine and corticosteroid prior to this event. Hematological evaluations showed mild normocytic, normochromic anemia with a normal leukogram. Serum biochemical analysis demonstrated mild elevations in ALT, ALP, GGT activities and hypoalbuminemia suggestive of cholestasis and steroid hepatopathy. Radiographic evaluation confirmed pneumothorax, and thin-walled radiolucent structures in the right cranial lobe were suspicious for pulmonary bullae. Results: The patient showed marked improvement after a single thoracocentesis and supportive care, with the pneumothorax resolving naturally without the need for surgery. The clinical condition remained stable during follow-up, with no recurrence observed over six months. Conclusion: Although lung lobectomy can reduce recurrence and mortality, its risks—along with invasiveness, perioperative complications, and financial burden—should be carefully weighed. In this case, pneumothorax resolved after a single thoracocentesis, suggesting that an initial conservative approach with close monitoring may suffice in selected dogs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Spontaneous pneumothorax ، Siberian Husky ، Thoracocentesis ، Pulmonary bullae ، Radiology