Scientific Title: Prospective Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery for Identification of Pulmonary Bullae in Dogs with Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Study Investigator: Dr. Ameet Singh
Purpose of the Clinical Study
Pneumothorax is the abnormal presence of free air within the chest cavity outside of the lungs. This can be a life-threatening condition as this air restricts the lungs from inflating normally during inhalation. Currently in veterinary patients, standard of care surgical treatment involves a thorough exploration of the thoracic cavity through the breastbone. Minimally invasive (MI) thoracic surgery may be an alternative approach given the reduction in postoperative pain associated with this technique. While the MI surgery has its advantages, the accuracy in identifying bubbles on the lungs during this technique has not yet been proven.
Is Your Pet Eligible?
Dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax (not caused by traumatic event or underlying condition) and interested in pursuing surgery.
Visits / Samples Required
Your dog will need to have routine diagnostics completed to confirm spontaneous pneumothorax (and determine the underlying cause). Within 1 week, surgery will be performed.
Financial Incentives
The costs associated with additional anesthesia (~30 minutes) are covered by the study.
This study is a collaboration between Drs Ameet Singh (Ontario Veterinary College) and Valery Scharf (North Carolina State Veterinary Medicine).