Imagine your dog suddenly starts panting. They’re thrashing around, unable to lie down, breathing from their stomach, and their tongue is turning blue. This isn’t a panic attack or the usual shortness of breath after a run. It could be a pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax in dogs is a collection of air in the pleural cavity, the space between the lungs and the chest wall. Normally, negative pressure is maintained there, helping the lungs expand during inhalation. When air enters, the lung is compressed and unable to function properly. Acute respiratory failure develops. Without prompt treatment, the animal dies from hypoxia.

What will you learn from the article?

• What types of pneumothorax are there, and why are they dangerous?
• Why does this condition occur?
• How to recognize the first signs
• What will doctors do to save your pet?

Types of pneumothorax

Several types are distinguished based on the mechanism of occurrence and the relationship with the external environment. This directly influences the course of action taken by doctors.

Closed pneumothorax. Air enters the chest cavity from within. This may be due to a ruptured lung or trachea, or blunt trauma without a wound to the chest wall. This is the most favorable scenario. The air is removed by puncture.

Open pneumothorax. Occurs when there is an open wound to the chest. Air is drawn through the wound during inhalation. This is a critical condition requiring immediate suturing.

Valvular (tension) pneumothorax. The most dangerous type. Air enters the pleural cavity during inhalation but cannot escape. Pressure inside increases, the lung collapses, and the heart shifts. The condition develops rapidly.

Spontaneous pneumothorax. Occurs without visible trauma. It is caused by rupture of bullae (air cysts), abscesses, or lung tumors. It is most often diagnosed in dogs with chronic lung pathologies.

Causes of pneumothorax in dogs

The causes are divided into traumatic and spontaneous.

Traumatic causes are the most common.

• Car accidents (vehicle collisions)
• Falls from heights
• Bite wounds in the chest area
• Gunshot and stab wounds
• Injuries from fights with other dogs
• Iatrogenic factors (after chest puncture, catheter placement, high-pressure mechanical ventilation)

Spontaneous causes.

• Rupture of pulmonary bullae (air cysts). Common in young large-breed dogs.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Lung tumors with tissue breakdown
• Lung abscesses
• Dirofilariasis (heartworm)
• Foreign bodies in the bronchi
• Severe pneumonia

Symptoms of pneumothorax in dogs

The clinical presentation depends on the volume of air in the pleural cavity and the rate of its accumulation. With tension pneumothorax, symptoms progress rapidly.

Main manifestations

Shortness of breath. Breathing becomes rapid, shallow, and labored.

Belly breathing. The chest expands only slightly, and the abdominal muscles are engaged.

Anxiety and panic. The dog can’t find a comfortable position and is thrashing around.

Forced posture. The pet sits with its elbows wide apart and its neck extended.

Cyanosis. The tongue, gums, and conjunctiva turn blue.

Tachycardia alternating with bradycardia and arrhythmia.

In the open form, a whistling sound of air can be heard through the wound when inhaling or exhaling.

When listening (auscultation), breath sounds in the affected half of the chest are weakened or absent.

Important: With tension pneumothorax, cardiovascular failure rapidly worsens, blood pressure drops, and collapse and loss of consciousness develops. This condition requires immediate decompression.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is established on the basis of the clinical picture and instrumental methods.

Examination and auscultation. The doctor assesses respiratory movements and listens to the lungs.

Chest X-ray. The primary method of confirmation. The image shows a collapsed lung line, lack of pulmonary markings in the upper chest, and displacement of the heart and trachea.

Thoracentesis (chest puncture). This is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. Obtaining air confirms the diagnosis and immediately improves the dog’s condition.

Computed tomography (CT) is used when bullae or tumors are suspected, as well as for surgical planning.

Pulse oximetry. Assessment of blood oxygen saturation.

Blood tests are necessary to assess the patient’s general condition and rule out any associated pathologies.

Treatment of pneumothorax in dogs

Treatment tactics depend on the type of pneumothorax, the volume of air and the patient’s condition.

Emergency care before arriving at the clinic

• Provide oxygen if possible.
• If the wound is open, apply an occlusive dressing (seal the wound tightly)
• Transport your dog to the clinic immediately.

In a hospital setting

Conservative treatment for low air volume includes oxygen therapy (accelerates air absorption by 4–6 times), strict rest, and monitoring of vital signs.

Thoracentesis. Air is removed using a syringe or a needle with a valve. If the air recurs, the procedure may be repeated.

Thoracic drainage. A drainage tube is inserted into the pleural cavity and connected to a valve or suction system. This ensures continuous removal of accumulated air. The procedure is performed under ultrasound or X-ray guidance.

Surgical treatment is required in such cases.

• Ineffective drainage (air continues to enter)
• Rupture of large bronchi or trachea
• Gunshot and extensive wounds
• Rupture of bullae or tumors

The Yuna Vet veterinary center performs thoracic surgeries of any complexity, including lung wound closure, lung lobe resection (lobectomy), bulla removal, and tracheal and bronchial closure. The surgical department is equipped with anesthesia and respiratory equipment and monitors, allowing us to operate on even the most critically ill patients.

Intensive care in the ICU

Patients with pneumothorax require 24-hour monitoring. The following is provided in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Yuna Vet Veterinary Center.

• Artificial ventilation of the lungs (ALV) in case of failure of spontaneous breathing
• Oxygen therapy in oxygen tents
• Infusion therapy
• Monitoring of saturation, ECG and blood pressure
• Anesthesia

Forecast

The prognosis depends on the cause, the speed of assistance and the development of complications.

In a closed traumatic pneumothorax with adequate drainage, the prognosis is favorable.

In cases of open wounds and ruptures of large structures, the prognosis is guarded. It depends on the success of the surgery.

In cases of spontaneous pneumothorax associated with bullous disease, relapses are possible. Surgical treatment is indicated.

Without timely assistance, the prognosis for tension pneumothorax is unfavorable.

Prevention

There is no specific prevention, but the risks can be reduced.

Avoid dangerous situations. Supervise your dog on walks and ensure a safe home environment.

Treat lung pathologies promptly.

Get regular checkups. This helps detect bullae and tumors in the early stages.

When to urgently contact a veterinarian

Take your dog to the clinic immediately if you notice any of the following signs.

• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• Restlessness, inability to lie down
• Blue tongue and gums
• An open wound in the chest area with a whistling sound of air
• Sudden weakness and loss of consciousness

The Yuna Vet veterinary center accepts emergency patients 24/7. We perform thoracentesis, drainage, and urgent surgical procedures. Don’t wait—every minute counts!