EVALUATION OF AUTOLOGUS BLOOD PLEURODESIS FOR TREATMENT OF PERSISTENT PNEUMOTHORAX IN 23 DOGS AND 2 HORSES

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe the clinical course, outcome and success rate of 23 dogs and two horses with persistent pneumothorax treated with autologous blood pleurodesis. The cases included in the study consisted of unresolved pneumothorax through thoracostomy tube maintained for 1-3 days to remove pleural effusion and free air. In dogs, persistent pneumothorax was treated by pleurodesis after diaphragmatic hernia surgery (19) and four cases after traumatic chest injury. In the two horses, the persistent pneumothorax occurred after blunt trauma (traumatic accidents). Autologous blood pleurodesis was performed by intrapleural injection of 5 mL/kg of whole blood. The duration required for air leak to seal, chest drainage duration, length of hospital stay, and the incidence of complications were noted. In all dogs and in one horse the pneumothorax resolved within 12-72 hours after treatment. Minor complications occurred in other two dogs and resolved in both; one horse was euthanized. Blood pleurodesis may provide a simple, safe, and inexpensive medical treatment for resolution of persistent pneumothorax.