Traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts in nine dogs and two cats

To describe the clinical presentation, imaging findings, treatment, and outcome in dogs and cats with traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts (TPP).

Retrospective observational study.

Nine client-owned dogs and two cats.

The hospital database of Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists was reviewed for cases with a diagnosis of TPP based on computed tomography (CT). Clinical presentation, additional injuries, treatment, and outcome were recorded.

Eleven patients with TPP were identified. The ratio of TPP detected by radiographs when compared to CT was 7:11 (64%). Seven cases were managed conservatively, and three underwent lung lobectomy. One cat was euthanized due to the severity of concomitant injuries. The decision to perform thoracic surgery was due to refractory pneumothorax (2) or very large TPP (1). Ten patients survived to discharge. No patients died as a result of the TPP.

Radiographic lesions were identified in about two-thirds of cases diagnosed by CT. TPPs were not fatal in our population but were commonly associated with severe concomitant injuries. Conservative treatment led to the resolution of smaller TPPs.

Conservative management of TPP is appropriate in most cases, although selected cases may benefit from surgical treatment.