Chest drain - pneumothorax

RE: Chest drain - pneumothorax

David Mills — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 22:22:18 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]

We have a chest drain in situ, it was the one way valve lacking/missing.

My plan was to remove it in the morning, observe the dog for the day and then send home last thing if nothing happens.

[/quote]

Ah, thought it was some Heath Robinson contraption when the glove was mentioned.

Normally no need for one way valve, just drain periodically. So can use the clamp for a drip line or a 3 way tap etc depending on connectors present.

With a one way valve you're supposed to keep the end in a water reservoir to ensure it's not blocked and still flowing.

Plan sounds fine.

RE: Chest drain - pneumothorax

Andrew Kent — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 22:21:31 GMT

Hi Michael,

I rarely use heimlich valves as dogs often don't generate enough pressure for them to work effectively so I bung the chest drain and drain intermittently so that you can get an idea of volume.

So in your case I would likely switch the valve for a bung and see what volume of air is being produced over 4-6 hours - you can then get a better idea of whether safe to remove or needs longer.

Andy

RE: Chest drain - pneumothorax

Michael Woodhouse — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 22:16:58 GMT

We have a chest drain in situ, it was the one way valve lacking/missing.

My plan was to remove it in the morning, observe the dog for the day and then send home last thing if nothing happens.

RE: Chest drain - pneumothorax

David Mills — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 22:07:59 GMT

They seal quickly unless a ruptured airway normally. In which case you're draining every hour. So probably small penetrating chest wall wound.

In which case remove after 24h

There's no evidence in humans or animals that drains are better than repeated centesis, though drains more pleasant for animals I suspect (stabbing intercostally is painful).

Sounds like a decent job. In future consider keeping a chest drain in stock, only about 14 quid cost, come with a handy spike/trochar to place (can use in cats and dogs)

RE: Chest drain - pneumothorax

Michael Woodhouse — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 21:45:53 GMT

20ml of blood initially and none since. Main issue was the air. Sucked out ~250ml initially and then improvised a heimlich valve with a glove with a finger cut off......

I have no means of measuring air expulsion.

RE: Chest drain - pneumothorax

Emily Rainbow — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 21:34:47 GMT

How much have you drained out through it?