Management of refractory spontaneous pneumothorax complicated by secondary Acinetobacter baumannii pyothorax in a Siberian Husky using autologous blood patch pleurodesis

A 3-year-old intact male Siberian Husky was presented to Prasu Arthorn Veterinary Teaching Hospital with acute restrictive dyspnea and was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax based on thoracic radiography and computed tomography, which revealed pulmonary bullae and pneumomediastinum. Initial thoracocentesis resulted in temporary improvement; however, recurrence necessitated placement of bilateral thoracostomy tubes. Because persistent air leakage continued despite thoracostomy tube drainage and conservative suction, and thoracotomy was not feasible, the pneumothorax was considered refractory to conservative management and autologous blood patch pleurodesis was performed as salvage therapy. The complication progressed to a pyothorax associated with Acinetobacter baumannii infection, confirmed by bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Targeted therapy with marbofloxacin (5.5 mg/kg/day) resulted in clinical improvement. No recurrence of pneumothorax was observed during the fourmonth follow-up period. This case demonstrates that autologous blood patch pleurodesis may be an effective alternative for persistent pneumothorax, although infectious complications should be closely monitored.