Pneumothorax in cats with a clinical diagnosis of feline asthma: 5 cases (1990–2000) |
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| Authors: | Edward S Cooper VMD Rebecca S Syring DVM DACVECC and Lesley G King MVB DACVECC DACVIM |
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| Institution: | Department of Clinical Studies –Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. |
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| Abstract: | Objective: This paper characterizes the clinical findings in 5 cats with feline asthma complicated by concurrent pneumothorax. Design: Retrospective study. Medical records of cats with concurrent diagnoses of asthma and pneumothorax that were presented to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 1990 to 2000 were reviewed. Results: Of 421 cases of feline asthma, 5 cats fulfilled the inclusion criteria (1.2%). All 5 had respiratory distress at presentation. One cat was panting, and the other 4 cats had respiratory rates of 28, 52, 58 and 120 breaths per minute (bpm), respectively (mean RR 65±39 bpm). Historical findings included untreated chronic cough (n=3), previously treated asthma (n=1), and no previous illness (n=1). Thoracocentesis was performed in 4/5 cats, and 3 of those cats required thoracostomy tubes. Four cats required immediate oxygen supplementation, and 1 of those cats required ventilation. All 5 cats had evidence of pneumothorax on initial radiographs. Follow‐up radiographs revealed partial or complete resolution of pneumothorax in 4 cats which were discharged alive with total hospitalization of 2–7 days, but were then lost to follow‐up. One cat was euthanized because it could not be weaned off mechanical ventilation, and necropsy confirmed end‐stage feline asthma and emphysema. Conclusion: Small airway obstruction can predispose asthma patients to increased alveolar pressure, emphysema, and spontaneous pneumothorax, which can lead to dyspnea in affected cats. The short‐term outcome in these cats was good despite the severity of dyspnea at presentation. |
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| Keywords: | dyspnea alveolar over-distension hyperinflation complications |
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