Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pneumomediastinum in 45 cats diagnosed by X-ray from 2000-2010
By Thomas, Emily K & Syring, Rebecca S·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2013·Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Pneumomediastinum in cats: 45 cases (2000-2010).
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 45 cats diagnosed with pneumomediastinum (air in the chest cavity) showed symptoms like rapid breathing, increased effort to breathe, and swelling under the skin. Most cases were linked to events like general anesthesia or trauma, while some occurred without a clear cause. Treatment focused on supportive care and addressing any underlying issues. Fortunately, 87% of the cats recovered and were able to go home after treatment.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · cat rapid breathing treatment · cat anesthesia complications · cat respiratory distress causes · cat subcutaneous emphysema treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the incidence, etiology, presenting complaint, clinical course, and outcome of cats with pneumomediastinum. DESIGN: Retrospective study from the period of January 1st, 2000 to December 31st, 2010. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Forty-five cats with a radiographic diagnosis of pneumomediastinum. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Medical and radiographic records were reviewed to identify cats with a radiographic diagnosis of pneumomediastinum. Clinical data were retrieved, including signalment, history, presenting clinical signs, diagnostic test results, treatment, complications, and survival to discharge. In 31 of 45 (69%) cats the pneumomediastinum was secondary to an obvious inciting cause. General anesthesia with endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation was the most common cause in 17 of 45 (38%) cases. This was followed by trauma in 12 of 45 (27%) cats, and tracheal foreign bodies in 2 of 45 (4%) cats. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (unknown underlying cause) was diagnosed in 14 of 45 (31%) of cases. Onset of clinical signs and diagnosis of spontaneous pneumomediastinum was preceded by emesis in 6 of 14 cats. Common presenting signs were tachypnea seen in 27 of 45 (60%) cats, increased respiratory effort in 26 of 45 (58%) cats, and subcutaneous emphysema in 30 of 45 (66%) cats. Concurrent pneumothorax was identified in 21 of 45 (47%) cats, pleural effusion in 10 of 45 (22%), and pneumoretroperitoneum in 21 of 45 (47%). The mainstay of treatment was supportive care and treatment of the underlying disease process. The prognosis for recovery was good, with 87% survival until hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumomediastinum in cats is an infrequently diagnosed condition. It is often secondary to an event such as general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation but less frequently may occur spontaneously. The prognosis is good with appropriate supportive care.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23855521/