Long-term survival after treatment of idiopathic lung lobe torsion in 80 cases

Objective: To report outcomes of dogs treated for lung lobe torsion (LLT) and to determine prognostic factors for survival. Study design: Retrospective multicenter study from four veterinary teaching hospitals. Animals: Dogs (n = 80) with LLT. 

Methods: Medical records were reviewed for clinical and histopathological findings. Long-term outcome was assessed with an owner questionnaire. Lung lobe torsion was classified as idiopathic or secondary on the basis of the etiology. 

Results: The most represented breeds were pugs (47.5%) and sighthounds (16.2%). The cause of the LLT was considered primary in 77%, secondary in 21%, and unknown in 2% of dogs. Postoperative complications were recorded in 14% of dogs. Overall, 95% of dogs survived to discharge, and median follow-up was 1095 days (range, 7-3809). Owners assessed outcomes and quality of life as excellent in 93% and 89% of dogs, respectively. Primary LLT was associated with a longer survival (median not reached in the study) compared with secondary LLT (921 days; range, 7-2073; P =.001).

Conclusion: Overall long-term survival after lung lobectomy for LLT was excellent. Primary LLT was associated with longer survival compared with secondary LLT. Long-term owner evaluation of clinical outcome for dogs undergoing lung lobectomy for LLT was considered excellent. Clinical impact: Dogs with primary LLT undergoing lung lobectomy have a longer survival time compared with dogs with secondary LLT and have an excellent postoperative outcome.