Lung torsion can occur in dogs when the lobes of the lung become loose or detached from the chest cavity. When this happens, the lobes can become twisted, and fluid can build up in the chest cavity. This can be a serious issue and needs medical intervention. Here’s what to know about lung torsion in dogs:

What is Lung Torsion in Dogs?

When lung torsion or a lung lobe torsion (LLT) occurs in dogs, it means that a lobe or all lobes of the lungs have become twisted, causing fluid buildup and breathing issues. Dogs have a much different lung anatomy than humans.

Each lobe is separate from the others. Four lung lobes are located on the right side of the body, and three on the left side of the body. A tracheal and bronchial tube connects all the lobes, and the blood supply goes to each lobe through the veins and arteries that lead to and from the heart.

Because each lung lobe is separate, there is less attachment holding them in place in the chest cavity, making it easy for the lobes to get twisted. This can happen in humans, but it’s much more common in dogs.

LLT can cause serious respiratory problems in dogs. When a lobe twists, it can restrict air and blood flow. Fluid and blood can start to build up in the chest cavity, which can affect other healthy lobes. It also reduces your dog’s oxygen supply.

Lung lobe torsion can happen in any dog, but it is more common in large dog breeds that have deep chests. Afghan Hounds are the most common type of breed to develop LLT, but many smaller breeds have developed this condition as well.

LLT is often sudden, and there seems to be no known trigger. However, reduced ligament connections in the chest cavity can be a cause. It can also be a secondary disease, with pneumonia and cancer being the most common primary conditions.

What Causes Lung Torsion in Dogs?

Certain factors can be attributed to lung lobe twisting in dogs. LLT can either be spontaneous with no obvious contributing factors or it can be secondary to other conditions or diseases.

It tends to be more common in dogs that have deep chests, such as Afghan Hounds or Bernese Mountain Dogs. However, smaller breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles, or Dachshunds can be affected.

Some conditions can cause secondary LLT. These conditions include upper respiratory infections in dogs, severe pneumonia with excess fluid buildup in the lungs, a pneumothorax, cancer, chest trauma, and pleural effusion.

Symptoms of Lung Torsion in Dogs

Symptoms of lung torsion in dogs can overlap with gastric torsion (i.e., bloat in dogs). Some dogs will show immediate signs of respiratory distress, while other dogs may have symptoms that gradually worsen over time. Early intervention is much more effective, so talk to your veterinarian as soon as you notice any difference in your dog’s breathing or exercise tolerance.

Other signs and symptoms you should never ignore in your dog include:

• Difficult breathing
• Rapid breathing
• If your dog is coughing or coughing up blood
• Not wanting to exercise or play
• Decreased appetite or no appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Intolerance to exercise

How is Lung Torsion in Dogs Diagnosed?

If your dog is exhibiting any symptoms of lung lobe torsion, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. They will evaluate the symptoms and listen to their lungs with a stethoscope. When a dog has LLT, it’s often very hard to hear breathing sounds in the area of the affected lung.

A dog will also have X-rays to look for fluid buildup or to see if the lung looks opaque or dark. In more severe cases, the buildup will be much more obvious, and or there may even be some displacement of the tracheal tube. If a veterinarian is unsure, they may order a CT scan for a more precise diagnosis.

Treatment of Lung Torsion in Dogs

If your dog has LLT, immediate intervention will focus on managing and stabilizing any symptoms. They’ll be given extra oxygen if necessary. A thoracentesis may also be done to help drain fluid away from the chest cavity. This can help the lung lobe function more normally.

Surgery

Surgery is often necessary in order to fix the twisted lobe. The surgeon will remove the affected lobe and will secure the bronchial and arterial connections. A stabling device will be used to secure the lung to the chest cavity. In some extreme cases, the entire lobe may be removed.

There will be a tube to drain excess fluid from your dog’s chest cavity a few days after surgery. A dog will not be sent home until they are stable and have normal functioning lungs.

Treatment of Primary Condition

If there is a primary condition causing lung torsion, that original primary disease will need to be treated. In the case of an infection, antibiotics will be given to treat pneumonia or other respiratory infections. Chemotherapy or radiation may be done in cases of cancer.

Prognosis of Lung Torsion in Dogs

When caught and treated, thankfully, most dogs have a successful recovery. Your dog will need to rest after surgery, and exercise will need to start slowly and give them time to readjust. Following your vet’s instructions and keeping up with medication are some of the best ways to care for your dog after surgery. If your dog is not healthy enough to undergo surgery or the primary condition is untreatable, euthanasia may unfortunately be recommended.

This is just an overview of what to know about lung torsion in dogs. With quick intervention, most dogs recover quickly and live a full and happy life! If you have any concerns about your dog’s breathing, make sure you call your vet as soon as possible.