Retrospective evaluation of dogs presenting with hemothorax

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Canine Oncology
• Critical Care

Background:

• Clinical research on canine hemothorax is limited.
• Diagnostic criteria and prognostic factors require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe causes, clinical signs, treatments, and outcomes in dogs with hemothorax.
• To identify prognostic indicators for hemothorax in dogs.
• To assess the prevalence of dogs meeting various hemothorax definitions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 84 dogs with hemothorax.
• Data collected from a UK university teaching hospital (2014-2024).
• Analysis included cause categorization and comparison of variables to survival rates.

Main Results:

• Neoplasia, particularly hemangiosarcoma, was the most frequent cause (63%).
• Overall survival to discharge was 61%.
• Surgery (OR 15.0) and lower pleural effusion PCV/HCT (<50% of peripheral blood) (OR 0.075) were associated with improved survival.

Conclusions:

• Canine hemothorax has diverse causes, with neoplasia being predominant.
• A standardized definition of hemothorax is needed.
• Surgical intervention and specific pleural effusion PCV/HCT values are positive prognostic indicators, suggesting a potentially good short-term prognosis.