Lung lobe torsion in dogs: 22 cases (1981-1999).
OBJECTIVE
To identify breed disposition, postoperative complications, and outcome in dogs with lung lobe torsion.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
22 client-owned dogs.


METHODS
Information on signalment; history; clinical findings; results of clinicopathologic testing, diagnostic imaging, and pleural fluid analysis; surgical treatment; intra- and postoperative complications; histologic findings; and outcome were obtained from medical records.


RESULTS
All 22 dogs had pleural effusion; dyspnea was the most common reason for examination. Fifteen dogs were large deep-chested breeds; 5 were toy breeds. Afghan Hounds were overrepresented, compared with the hospital population. One dog was euthanatized without treatment; the remaining dogs underwent exploratory thoracotomy and lung lobectomy. Eleven dogs recovered from surgery without complications, but 3 of these later died of thoracic disease. Four dogs survived to discharge but had clinically important complications within 2 months, including chylothorax, mediastinal mesothelioma, gastric dilatation, and a second lung lobe torsion. Six dogs died or were euthanatized within 2 weeks after surgery because of acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, septic shock, pneumothorax, or chylothorax. Chylothorax was diagnosed in 8 of the 22 dogs, including 4 Afghan Hounds.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that lung lobe torsion is rare in dogs and develops most frequently in large deep-chested dogs, particularly Afghan Hounds. Other predisposing causes were not identified, but an association with chylothorax was evident, especially in Afghan Hounds. Prognosis for dogs with lung lobe torsion was fair to guarded.
Neath
P J
PJ
Section of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010, USA.
Brockman
D J
DJ
King
L G
LG
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000662:veterinary; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014102:Torsion Abnormality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary