Condition2 connections · 1 source
Pneumothorax
Air collection in the chest cavity preventing normal lung inflation.
Key Facts
- Types: open (chest wall hole), closed (lung/airway leak), tension (one-way valve), spontaneous
- Signs: difficulty breathing, increased respiratory rate, exercise intolerance, cyanosis
- Minor cases: 1-2 weeks cage rest may resolve spontaneously
- Severe: emergency oxygen + chest tube to remove air
- Surgery may be needed to close holes or remove damaged lung lobes
- Dogs and cats have 7 lung lobes (humans have 5)
- Can be fatal if severe and untreated