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Huggins

• Patient:
  Huggins, 6 yr old male neutered domestic long-haired cat.



• Presenting complaint:
  Rapid and difficulty in breathing. The referring veterinarian had aspirated air from the plural space (pneumothorax).



• Diagnostic studies before endoscopy:
  Pneumothorax with shift of heart and mediastinum to left side. The right lung was over-inflated. The complete blood count, chemistry profile, and coagulation studies were within normal limits.



• Endoscopic procedure:
  Bilateral thoracoscopy in which a 5 mm scope was placed into both the right and left sides of the chest. The left lung was collapsed without air and the right side was normal. Surgery was converted to a left side thoracotomy to resect the left lung lobes. A chest tube was placed and little air was removed after the initial evacuation. Huggins recovered without complications.



• Benefits of using endoscopy:
  The most complete evaluation of the lung is by thoracoscopy. Both sides can be examined through one 5-mm trocar hole by placing the cat on its back. Once lung disease is identified, this portion is typically resected either by thoracoscopy or by converting to a thoracotomy as in this case.

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