Abstract: Exudative pleural diseases and pneumothorax in dogs represent major causes of respiratory distress requiring rapid diagnosis and targeted intervention. Exudative pleural effusions arise from inflammatory, hemorrhagic, or lymphatic mechanisms and include hemothorax, pyothorax, and chylothorax, each characterized by distinctive pleural fluid features and etiologies. Hemothorax commonly results from trauma, coagulopathies, or neoplasia; pyothorax is usually associated with bacterial infection secondary to migrating foreign bodies, penetrating wounds, or esophageal rupture; and chylothorax reflects thoracic duct disruption or obstruction, sometimes with breed predisposition. Accurate classification of pleural effusions using protein concentration, cellularity, cytology, and biochemical analysis is essential to distinguish transudates, modified transudates, and exudates and to guide case management.?
Diagnostic approaches integrate thoracic radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, thoracoscopy, and pleural fluid analysis to identify underlying lesions, assess severity, and plan therapy. Treatment strategies span medical drainage (thoracocentesis or thoracostomy tubes), antimicrobials, dietary modification for chylothorax, and surgical intervention for lung lobe torsion, persistent air leaks, neoplasia, or thoracic duct ligation. Prognosis varies with etiology and timeliness of intervention but is often favorable when prompt stabilization and definitive management are achieved. This review summarizes the pathophysiology, diagnostic workup, and therapeutic options for canine exudative pleural disorders and pneumothorax, emphasizing a multimodal, evidence-based approach relevant to small animal clinical practice.?
