Lung lobe torsion in cats represents a rare and potentially life-threatening condition involving the abnormal twisting of a lung lobe around its hilus, causing vascular compromise and tissue damage. Despite being more commonly recognised in deep-chested dog breeds, this under-reported feline pathology presents a significant diagnostic challenge, often manifesting through non-specific symptoms such as respiratory distress, lethargy and pleural fluid accumulation.
Advanced imaging techniques, particularly CT scans, are crucial for accurate diagnosis, while surgical lobectomy remains the definitive treatment, with survival rates between 50 and 80 percent. This challenging condition highlights the need for increased clinical awareness and prompt intervention, including early recognition and proper surgical management, to significantly improve outcomes for affected cats.
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