Non-iatrogenic traumatic isolated bilothorax in a cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Comparative Pathology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Bite wounds in cats can lead to complex thoracic injuries.
• Pleural effusion and pneumothorax are common findings in cats with thoracic trauma.
• Bile leakage into the pleural space (bilothorax) is a rare but serious complication.

Observation:

• A 6-month-old cat presented with thoracic bite wounds, pneumothorax, and pleural effusion.
• Bile was identified emanating from a thoracic wound, indicating a diaphragmatic tear and gallbladder herniation.
• The cat had isolated bilothorax without concurrent bile peritonitis (biloabdomen).

Findings:

• A diaphragmatic tear allowed herniation of the gallbladder and liver lobe into the right pleural space.
• Avulsion of a gallbladder lobe resulted in bile leakage into the pleural cavity.
• Surgical intervention included cholecystectomy and diaphragmatic repair.

Implications:

• This case represents a rare instance of non-iatrogenic isolated bilothorax in a cat.
• Thorough assessment of thoracic bite wounds is crucial, even if seemingly minor.
• Bilothorax should be considered in feline pleural effusion cases, even without evidence of bile peritonitis.