Presentation
Dog who was hit by a car several hours ago.
Patient Data
A chest tube is present terminating at the level of the first rib in the left cranial lung fields. Pneumothorax is present, worse on the right than the left. Pneumomediastinum is also evident particularly caudally. Two bullae are identified in the left caudal lung lobe, best seen on the left lateral projection and the v/d projection. There is an interstitial to alveolar pattern in the left cranial and left caudal lung fields.
Additional radiographs were taken two days after presentation. The pneumothorax has resolved, and the chest tube remains in place. The more dorsal bulla has mostly filled with fluid and appears as a solid soft tissue opacity with some gas. The more ventral bulla has a thick, irregular wall. These changes indicate filling of the bullae with blood or inflammatory fluid.
The dog was discharged the next day after removal of the chest tube and was doing well.
Case Discussion
Traumatic thoracic injuries including
- Traumatic pulmonary bullae
- Bilateral pneumothorax
- Pneumomediastinum
- Probable pulmonary contusions (left)
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