Suspected Spontaneous Idiopathic Pulmonary Pneumo-Haematocele In A Dog

An 8-year-old male neutered Rottweiler was presented to the local veterinary practice for ongoing cough of one-week duration, intermittent retching and haemoptysis. Medical treatment dispensed by the referring veterinarian achieved mild improvement in the cough and resolution of haemoptysis for approximately six weeks.Referral was arranged eight weeks after onset of clinical signs, due to relapse of haemoptysis. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography of the thoracic cavity revealed a fluid and air-filled cystic lesion in the right middle lung lobe. Bronchoscopy showed collapse of the right middle bronchus and bronchioles. A right middle lung lobectomy was performed via right intercostal thoracotomy.Postoperatively, the patient recovered well and was discharged from hospital three days afterwards. Long term recovery was excellent, and histology results were consistent with an air-blood filled bulla, with no evidence of foreign material, abscess or neoplasia. A tentative diagnosis of spontaneous idiopathic pulmonary pneumo-haematocele was made.