Spontaneous pneumothorax in a companion Kunekune pig due to pulmonary bullae rupture

Background: Pneumothorax cases are commonly described in mammals, but descriptions in Kunekune pigs are lacking. Case description: A three-month-old, male Kunekune pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) presented for respiratory distress of 24 hours duration. Based on physical examination, blood gas analysis, ultrasound, and radiography, a presumed diagnosis of pneumothorax secondary to a ruptured pulmonary bullae was made. The presence of pulmonary bullae was confirmed via computed tomography. The pneumothorax was managed with indwelling thoracostomy tubes, constant suction, nasal oxygen supplementation, antimicrobials and anti-inflammatories. Subsequent bloodwork, cytology, parasitology, and culture results discounted an infectious or inflammatory etiology. The patient was discharged ten days after presentation. Conclusions and case relevance: The pig responded well to medical management and thoracostomy tube suction. Based on a literature search, this is the first published case report of diagnosis and management of a pneumothorax in a Kunekune pig.