Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Imaging signs of lobar emphysema in 14 dogs and 3 cats
By H. Warwick et al.·Published in Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·2021·View original on Semantic Scholar →
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Original publication title: Imaging findings in 14 dogs and 3 cats with lobar emphysema
Plain-English summary
A group of 14 dogs and 3 cats were diagnosed with lobar emphysema, a condition where a lung lobe becomes over-inflated, causing breathing difficulties. Many of these pets, particularly those under 3 years old, were brought in for symptoms like shortness of breath or coughing. Imaging tests, including X-rays and CT scans, revealed that most cases involved the right middle lung lobe. Treatment options were not detailed, but recognizing this condition is crucial for pets showing respiratory distress, especially younger ones.
People also search for: dog breathing problems · cat coughing treatment · lobar emphysema in dogs · young dog dyspnea causes · cat lung issues
Abstract
Abstract Background Lobar emphysema in dogs and cats is caused by bronchial collapse during expiration and subsequent air trapping. Congenital causes such as bronchial cartilage defects or acquired causes such as compressive neoplastic lesions have been reported. Morbidity results from hyperinflation of the affected lung lobe and compression of adjacent thoracic structures. Objective To describe patient characteristics and imaging findings in dogs and cats with lobar emphysema. Animals Fourteen dogs and 3 cats with lobar emphysema diagnosed by imaging findings were retrospectively identified from veterinary referral hospital populations over a 10‐year period. Methods Cases that included thoracic radiography, thoracic computed tomography (CT), or both were included. All images were reviewed by a European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging diplomate. Relevant case information included signalment, clinical findings, treatment, and histopathology where available. Results Ten of 17 (59%) patients were presented for evaluation of dyspnea and 6 (35%) for coughing. Eleven (65%) patients were <3 years of age. The right middle lung lobe was affected in 12 cases (71%) and multiple lobes were affected in 7 cases (41%). Congenital lobar emphysema was suspected in 14 cases (82%). Conclusion and Clinical Importance Lung lobe hyperinflation, atelectasis of nonaffected lung lobes, mediastinal shift, and thoracic wall and diaphragmatic wall deformation were common findings. Lobar or multilobar emphysema should be considered in patients with dyspnea or coughing, particularly younger patients. Although radiography is useful, CT provides better detail. In older patients, acquired causes of bronchial compression should be considered.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Semantic Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/34145623