Autologous blood pleurodesis ("blood patch") as a treatment for traumatic pneumothorax in a cat

Authors: Wong AM, Mooney ET
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 50, Issue 4, pp 252-259, Dec 2020
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Animal type: Cat
Subject Terms: Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Clinical examination, Trauma/injuries
Article class: Clinical Report

---

Abstract:

2-year-old male neutered domestic short hair cat presented following trauma with bilateral pneumothorax. Thoracocentesis was performed and thoracostomy tubes were placed bilaterally. Manual suction of the chest was performed at least hourly for the initial 12 hours of treatment with eventual resolution of the left-sided pneumothorax. The right-sided pneumothorax was persistent. Autologous blood patching with 2 mL/kg of blood was performed 13 hours after presentation and the pneumothorax resolved. A diaphragmatic hernia was subsequently diagnosed and surgical correction performed. The patient was discharged after 7 days in hospital.

Autologous blood patching appears to be well-tolerated, effective, and safe to perform in cats. It should be considered as a treatment for continuous pneumothorax in cats, particularly those of traumatic origin.

---