Junie’s Big Fall

By Kay Hisano | Dated January 13, 2026

Junie, a 1-year-old domestic shorthair cross Siamese, was rushed to Gordon Vet after falling from the 5th floor of her apartment. She was brought in immediately following the fall. On presentation, Junie was breathing very shallowly, and Dr Zoe noted reduced lung sounds on examination.

There was concern for a possible pneumothorax, which is a condition where air leaks into the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This air prevents the lungs from expanding normally, making it difficult and sometimes life-threatening for patients to breathe. This can be seen around the heart on Junie’s radiograph.

Chest radiographs were taken, and unfortunately confirmed a significant pneumothorax on the right side of Junie’s chest. To relieve the pressure and help her breathe more comfortably, Dr Zoe performed a thoracocentesis, a procedure where a needle is carefully placed into the chest to remove the trapped air. In Junie’s case, around 30 mL of air was removed.

Following treatment, Junie improved rapidly and is now back to her normal self, breathing comfortably and doing well. We’re very glad she received such prompt care after her fall.