Surgical correction of primary pneumothorax in a dog.

Surgical repair of primary pneumothorax in a dog was performed by a median sternotomy and partial lung lobectomies using an automatic suturing device. A median sternotomy was performed since the location of the lesion was undetermined preoperatively. The automatic suturing device provided a quick, simple, and secure method of performing the partial lobectomies. Ruptured blebs and subpleural emphysema were present in the excised pulmonary tissue. Mechanical pleurodesis was also performed in an attempt to prevent recurrence. Large-gauge orthopedic wire was used to close the sternotomy in order to minimize postoperative complications. On follow-up evaluation 6 months later, the dog was normal.