Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Young Irish Wolfhound develops air leak in chest during ventilation
By Zersen, Kristin M et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2020·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Development of a tension pneumomediastinum during mechanical ventilation of a young Irish Wolfhound.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 9-month-old female Irish Wolfhound was brought to the vet with signs of aspiration pneumonia, which is when food or liquid enters the lungs. Despite receiving supportive care, her breathing worsened, and she needed mechanical ventilation to help her breathe. Unfortunately, after 36 hours, she developed a serious condition called tension pneumomediastinum, which caused a pneumothorax (air leak) and led to her heart and breathing problems. Despite efforts to treat her, she was humanely euthanized due to the severity of her condition.
People also search for: Irish Wolfhound aspiration pneumonia treatment · dog breathing problems mechanical ventilation · tension pneumomediastinum in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report the development of a tension pneumomediastinum during mechanical ventilation of a young Irish Wolfhound with aspiration pneumonia. CASE SUMMARY: A 9-month-old intact female Irish Wolfhound was presented for clinical signs consistent with aspiration pneumonia. Evaluation of her pedigree and clinical signs prompted suspicion of Irish Wolfhound rhinitis bronchopneumonia syndrome as a contributing factor. Despite supportive care for bronchopneumonia, progressive hypoxemia and increased work of breathing required mechanical ventilation (MV). Development of a pneumothorax 36 hours after initiation of MV necessitated bilateral thoracostomy tubes. Cardiovascular decline persisted despite resolution of the pneumothorax and 1 hour later the dog was humanely euthanized. On necropsy, severe pneumomediastinum was identified without other evidence of barotrauma. Necropsy results suggested tension pneumomediastinum as the cause of pneumothorax and cardiovascular deterioration. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Pneumomediastinum has not been described in dogs receiving MV. This case highlights the importance of rapid detection of pneumomediastinum during MV, as the complication can quickly become life-threatening.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32147906/