Adverse effect of complete thoracic evacuation during chronic pneumothorax in a dog.

OBJECTIVE

To describe an unusual response to evacuation of a chronic pneumothorax in a dog.

CASE

Resolution of a pneumothorax is usually associated with lung expansion and a marked improvement in pulmonary function. In the case presented here, evacuation of a chronic pneumothorax improved oxygenation, but markedly impaired ventilation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This is a previously unreported complication associated with the treatment of pneumothorax in dogs. It suggests that in some cases of chronic pneumothorax, total evacuation of the pleural air pocket may improve oxygenation but ventilation deteriorates and increases PCO2, causing further complications.