What are the common causes of pneumothorax?

Pneumothorax is commonly caused by chest trauma, lung disease, or spontaneous rupture of a lung bulla. If it is suspected, a vet should confirm the cause with imaging and assess the best treatment plan.

Can you tell whether your pet has pneumothorax by looking?

You may suspect it from signs such as persistent rapid breathing, blue-tinged lips, or reduced activity, but diagnosis requires X-rays or ultrasound. Prompt veterinary care is recommended.

How long is follow-up needed after thoracocentesis?

After air is removed from the chest, repeat X-rays or ultrasound are usually needed in the short term. Most cases require monitoring for several days to several weeks, with rechecks scheduled according to your vet's advice.

Can my pet recover completely after surgery?

Recovery depends on the cause and severity of the injury. Some pets can recover fully, while severe cases or those with repeated air leakage may need long-term monitoring and treatment. Follow your vet's recheck plan.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Pneumothorax in Dogs and Cats: Rapid Breathing, Imaging & Chest Care [2025]

Air build-up in the chest affects breathing and is an emergency condition

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, ACVECC, National Taiwan University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek emergency care immediately

•Persistent difficulty breathing or inability to breathe normally
•Lips or gums turning blue-purple or pale
•Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness with no response

Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Noticeably faster-than-normal breathing at rest that persists
•Occasional mild cyanosis or pallor
•Decreased activity level, reluctance to exercise or play

01What symptoms suggest something is wrong?

Pneumothorax can affect breathing and circulation. Common signs are often related to breathing difficulty, colour changes, and reduced activity.

Obvious rapid breathing or looking unable to catch their breath
Fast heart rate, sometimes with restlessness or trembling
Lips or gums turning blue-purple (cyanosis) or pale
Depression, sleepiness, or slower responses
Sudden drop in activity, reluctance to exercise, or difficulty climbing stairs
Seek veterinary assessment immediately if severe breathing difficulty occurs

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Difficulty breathing or inability to breathe normally
⚠️ Gums or lips that look blue-purple or pale
⚠️ Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness

02How can you assess abnormal signs at home? Key observations and when to go to emergency

At home, focus on breathing pattern, demeanour, and activity changes. Videos and time records can help your vet assess the situation.

Record when you first noticed the problem and how the symptoms started
Use your phone to record side-view and close-up breathing videos, both at rest and after activity
Observe breathing rate and breathing depth during rest and activity
Note any changes in appetite, water intake, urination, and bowel movements
If your pet has obvious rapid breathing, contact a veterinary clinic or emergency hospital first

03How will the vet diagnose it? Common tests

After arrival at the clinic, vets usually combine a physical examination with imaging to assess whether air is present in the chest cavity or the lungs are compressed, while also checking the pet's overall condition.

Auscultation and full physical examination

to assess breathing quality and circulation

Chest X-rays

to confirm whether there is free air in the chest cavity or lung collapse

Thoracic ultrasound or computed tomography (CT)

to assess details of the chest and lung lesions

Blood tests and biochemistry

to assess overall metabolism and possible complications

Thoracocentesis or chest drain placement when needed to relieve pressure promptly

Choose a veterinary facility that can perform thoracocentesis and advanced imaging

04How is it treated and managed after diagnosis? Medication, diet adjustments, and care guide

Treatment focuses on stabilising breathing and removing abnormal air from the chest cavity. Some cases need surgical repair, followed by imaging rechecks and home care.

Provide oxygen support to improve low oxygen levels and stabilise your pet
Perform thoracocentesis or place a chest drain to remove free air from the chest cavity
If there is ongoing air leakage or a structural problem, surgical repair may be needed
Regular rechecks are needed after treatment, with X-rays or ultrasound to monitor the chest
Home care includes plenty of rest, limiting vigorous activity, and monitoring wound care
Arrange follow-up with a specialist or a hospital experienced in thoracic treatment

05What should you prepare before seeing the vet? Key information that helps identify the cause quickly

Record side-view and close-up videos of breathing and coughing, both at rest and after activity

Write down the onset time, how symptoms changed, and any possible triggers

Describe changes in exercise tolerance and whether any sudden event occurred, such as trauma

Bring recent laboratory reports, X-rays, and a list of current medications

If there is severe breathing difficulty, contact an emergency or specialist hospital before arrival

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.

Related Symptoms (You May Also Be Looking For)

Altered Mentation

Changed mental state

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration

Hypovolemia

Low blood volume

Increased Respiratory Effort

Labored breathing

Jugular Distension

Distended jugular veins

Orthopnea

Difficulty breathing lying down