Successful management of a persistent pneumothorax in a cat using an autologous blood patch pleurodesis

Abstract

AbstractA 16‐year‐old, neutered, male cat presented to an emergency and specialty care facility for persistent pneumothorax. Bilateral thoracocentesis, biochemical and hematological evaluation, thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, heartworm antigen test and computed tomography scan were performed. No definitive cause of the pneumothorax was identified, making a diagnosis of spontaneous (idiopathic) pneumothorax most likely.  Surgical exploration of the thorax was declined. Evacuation of the pleural space was performed for 4 days, without resolution of air accumulation. An autologous blood patch pleurodesis was performed on the fifth day. The pneumothorax resolved, and the patient was discharged from the hospital the following day. Recheck radiographs were performed 17 days after discharge, which confirmed resolution of pneumothorax. The patient was alive 1200 days after discharge, with no recurrent clinical signs. This case report demonstrates successful use of an autologous blood patch pleurodesis in a feline patient.