Pathological observation of the dog lungs after underwater blast injury / 第三军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore pathological changes of the dog lungs after underwater blast injury. Methods Lungs from 37 adult dogs were taken after different underwater blast explosions, and observed with gross examination, light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM). Results Pulmonary hemorrhage and edema were the main morphological changes. Under LM the alveolus space was seen to be filled with edematous fluid and bloody components. Part of alveolus walls were ruptured and fused into bigger cavities while under EM the mitochondria of alveolar epithelium were vacuolated and some of the capillary predominant endothelium were broken. Hemorrhage was the pathological feature of intestinal tract. Conclusion Severe pulmonary hemorrhage and edema may be the main cause of early death of dogs with underwater blast injury.