4. Diseases Of The Thoracic Cavity

Question 1

Pleural space

Answer 1

Visceral - on organ
Parietal - on thoracic wall
Mediastinum - between left and right pleural cavities

Question 2

Hydrothorax

Answer 2

Pleural effusion where transudate accumulates in the pleural cavity 
Secondary to Chf 
Causes- chf 
Hypoalbuminaemia 
Diaphragmatic hernia 
Portal hypertension

Question 3

Pneumothorax

Answer 3

Air accumulation in pleural space 
Open or closed 
Traumatic or spontaneous 
Idiopathic or secondary 
Simple/complicated/ tension 
Decreased - lung and heart sounds, respiratory sounds 
Increased - resonance

Question 4

Pneumothorax 2

Answer 4

Radiology- elevation of heart from sternum 
Lung lobe compression 
Other 
Tx- 
Thoracocentesis or chest tube

Question 5

Diaphragmatic hernia

Answer 5

Pleuroperitoneal or peritopericardial 
Traumatic > congenital 
Cs
Shock, cyanosis 
Mixed inspiration sounds

Question 6

Pleural effusion

Answer 6

Build up of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lung
Either pleural fluid formation increases or fluid drainage decreases
Causes
1. Pulmonary capillaries-
Decrease in plasma oncotic pressure and pleural pressure
2. Systemic capillaries-
Increase in vascular permeability and venous pressure
3. Abdomen- fluid coming from abdomen (holes in diaphragm)
4. Lymphatic vessels-
Blockage or compression

Question 7

Pleural effusion 2

Answer 7

Primary causes
Cardiac disease, diaphragmatic hernia, FIP, heartworm, lymphadenitis, lung lobe torsion, pancreatitis

Physical exam -
Percussion - horizontal dullness
Auscultation - bronchial sounds above
No sounds under fluid line

Dx- ultrasound gold standard

Question 8

Pleural effusion 3

Answer 8

Types 
Hydrothorax 
Pyothorax 
Chylothorax 
Haemothorax