Use of a Heimlich flutter valve in a dog with spontaneous pneumothorax

Abstract

A three-year-old, male, Pointer dog was presented with a four-day history of severe non-traumatic respiratory compromise. Clinical examination findings were consistent with a closed pneumothorax. Other diagnostics, including electrocardiography, radiography and bronchoalveolar lavage, suggested a secondary spontaneous pneumothorax possibly associated with infective pleuropneumonia. A Heimlich flutter valve was used as drainage for the pneumothorax after a thoracostomy for chest tube placement. The spontaneous pneumothorax was resolved and further air leakage ceased by the third day.