This includes PTX (open, closed, tension), hemothorax (HTX), and diaphragmatic hernia. A restrictive breathing pattern is the classic presentation—shallow, rapid respiration with muffled lung and/or heart sounds. Auscult the chest for decreased lung sounds over most of the thorax, which suggests either fluid (blood) or air in the pleural space, pulmonary contusions, or diaphragmatic hernia.

 

Figure 29.  Location for Needle Thoracocentesis.

Figure 29 shows anatomic location for needle thoracocentesis in dogs, with the dog in lateral or sternal recumbency, and the needle inserted generally on the mid-lateral thorax between the 6th to 8th intercostal space. Count forward from the last rib (#13; red dotted line) to find the insertion site.