Does pneumothorax need prompt veterinary care?

If breathing becomes fast, breathing difficulty appears, or activity drops noticeably, contact a veterinarian promptly for assessment and imaging.

How can I tell whether pneumothorax is worsening at home?

If respiratory rate keeps rising, breathing becomes shallow and rapid, or chest movement is clearly asymmetric, record it and contact your veterinarian.

What observations can I prepare at home?

Measure resting respiratory rate, take a breathing video, record activity level, and note any trauma or sudden event to help interpretation.

Can pneumothorax resolve on its own?

A small pneumothorax may partially resorb in some cases, but imaging is needed to determine air volume and lung expansion. Observation alone cannot confirm this.

Symptom Analysis

Pet Pneumothorax Symptom Guide | What to Watch For and When to Seek Veterinary Care

Name: Pet Pneumothorax Symptom Guide | What to Watch For and When to Seek Veterinary Care
Creator: AVMA
Published: 2026-08-16T02:09:42.838+00:00

Understand possible causes of pneumothorax and key at-home observations

Pneumothorax changes negative pressure in the chest and lung expansion. Closely record breathing and activity changes for later professional assessment.

Last updated: 2026/08/16

Pet Health Map Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, WSAVA

What this symptom means clinically

Pneumothorax is abnormal air in the pleural space, causing loss or alteration of negative intrathoracic pressure, partial lung collapse, and reduced effective ventilatory surface area. Reduced lung volume and altered chest compliance increase respiratory effort and change breathing pattern, affecting oxygenation and ventilation efficiency.

🐱 In cats

In cats, pneumothorax is often caused by chest trauma or spontaneous alveolar rupture. Smaller cats may be more sensitive to chest-volume changes, and respiratory changes can be harder to notice.

🐶 In dogs

In dogs, pneumothorax can result from trauma or lung disease. Large or deep-chested breeds may show more obvious respiratory effort or chest-wall asymmetry.

Clinical signs you can observe

Check whether your pet shows any of the signs below. If several apply, seek veterinary care promptly.

Record resting respiratory rate in breaths per minute and measurement time

Observe and record breathing depth and effort, including chest or abdominal movement

Observe activity and walking tolerance changes and record timing

Measure and record resting heart rate and whether rhythm seems regular

Take a short 10-30 second video of breathing pattern for veterinary assessment

Record timing and triggers of any sudden change, such as trauma

Possibly Related Conditions

Conditions owners commonly find associated with this symptom — tap to learn more.

Oncology

Adenocarcinoma, Lung

Pulmonary tumor growth or metastasis compromises respiratory function. The impaired gas exchange manifests as pneumothorax.

Internal Medicine

Dyspnea and Respiratory Distress

Pulmonary pathology impairs ventilation and gas exchange. This respiratory dysfunction manifests as pneumothorax.

This page helps owners understand symptoms and recognise risk; it cannot replace an in-person veterinary examination, diagnosis or treatment. If your pet shows any symptoms, please consult a qualified veterinarian as soon as possible.