Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat develops air leaks after tracheal foreign body removal
By Zambelli, A B·Published in Journal of the South African Veterinary Association·2006·Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies·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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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, pneumothorax and pneumoretroperitoneum following endoscopic retrieval of a tracheal foreign body from a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old male cat was brought to the vet after struggling to breathe for a week. The vet found a foreign object, which turned out to be part of a flower, lodged in the cat's trachea. After removing the object, the cat developed serious breathing issues and air trapped in its chest, requiring a drain to help it breathe better. Fortunately, the cat recovered well after treatment, and follow-up checks showed that the breathing problems and air buildup were resolved.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · cat foreign object removal · cat dyspnea treatment
Abstract
A 6-year-old entire male cat was presented with a 1-week history of severe dyspnoea without coughing. Upon auscultation, an inspiratory and particularly pronounced expiratory wheeze was noted, with severe dyspnoea. The minimum database was normal. Plain thoracic radiographs showed signs of a mural or intraluminal intrathoracic (T1-T4) tracheal narrowing. A dynamic collapsing trachea was ruled out using fluoroscopy. Bronchoscopy was performed and a dark green and brown spiculated foreign object was found just cranial to the carina. Following removal, the cat rapidly developed extensive truncal subcutaneous emphysema and oxygen-responsive dyspnoea and cyanosis. Follow-up radiographs demonstrated unilateral pneumothorax and lung collapse, marked pneumomediastinum and dissection of air through the tracheal wall. A thoracic drain was placed and the pneumothorax resolved rapidly. Follow-up radiographs demonstrated resolution of pneumothorax and development of extensive retroperitoneal air. The cat made an uneventful recovery. The foreign object was the calyx and stem of a flower. This article emphasises the importance of diagnostic imaging in the dyspnoeic patient, both for confirming initial suspicions of respiratory tract disease, and in managing and charting post-therapy resolution or complications.
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/16700477/