Can Tornados Can Cause Pneumothorax In Dogs?

"Development of clinical signs after a tornado, together with clinical, diagnostic imaging, surgical, and histologic findings led to a presumptive diagnosis of pulmonary barotrauma for both dogs. Long-term outcome for these dogs, treated at a referral hospital, was good."

Dr. Hehn's Take

I was reading my JAVMA as usual and came across a very interesting article regarding tornados, changes in barometric pressure, and resulting lung injury. I had never heard of this before! Two dogs were seen about a little over a week following a tornado with respiratory distress. X-rays revealed pneumothorax and pleural effusion. On CT, atelectasis was seen in the affected lungs, and exploratory was performed in both dogs. A rupture was confirmed in both dogs and abnormal tissue was removed. The conclusion was that the weather changes from the tornado resulted in "pulmonary barotrauma." Amazing!

Read the full Article from AVMA Journals