Dogs and cats undergoing surgery for penetrating thoracic trauma have high survival despite frequent complications, and imaging may underestimate injury severity.

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical and radiographic findings in dogs and cats with surgically confirmed penetrating thoracic trauma and evaluate associations with outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective, multicenter observational study reviewed records from 5 referral hospitals to identify dogs and cats with surgically confirmed penetrating thoracic trauma between July 1, 2010, and July 31, 2025. Inclusion required thoracic radiographs, surgical reports, and perioperative records.

RESULTS

A total of 86 dogs and 5 cats were identified. Mean animal trauma triage score was higher in nonsurvivors (7.6 ± 2.4; n = 20) than survivors (5.2 ± 2.5; 71). Radiographic findings included pneumothorax (73.6%), pulmonary contusions (65.9%), and rib fractures (62.6%). Computed tomography findings often identified more injuries. Time from presentation to surgery did not differ in survivors versus nonsurvivors. Lung lobectomy was performed in 24.2% of patients and was more common in nonsurvivors (45.0% vs 18.3%). Intra- and postoperative complications occurred in 56% and 51.7% of patients, respectively. Survival to discharge was 78.0% (71 of 91 patients), with a median hospitalization of 3.3 days (range, 1 to 12 days). Among 55 patients with follow up, 11 (20%) had complications related to thoracic trauma.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical management of penetrating thoracic trauma was associated with a high survival rate despite frequent complications. Animal trauma triage is a useful prognostic indicator. Computed tomography may alter treatment plans.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians should anticipate higher injury severity than anticipated based on routine imaging and examination. Higher animal trauma triage scores were associated with nonsurvival and may provide useful prognostic information. Close monitoring is needed following surgery for penetrating thoracic trauma.