In this peritoAnimal article we will talk about pulmonary edema in dogs: prognosis and treatment, a potentially fatal problem that compromises the health of your dog and requires veterinary intervention, we will discuss the causes that can cause this problem, the treatment on which it will depend on and the symptoms that need to be paid attention to identify this disorder.Finally, we’ll talk about the care these dogs will need.
Pulmonary edema is formed by fluid buildup in the lungs, which makes the dog’s breathing more or less severe and may present mild symptoms, which only interfere with the normal life of the animal, until it reaches a dangerous situation for the animal’s life.There is also the difference between acute edema and edema that persists over time, such as cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs, because of a heart problem, so it is important to know that this is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of another change..
- Basically.
- Cardiogenic pulmonary edema can be distinguished in dogs.
- Which are less cardiogenic and neurogenic.
- Making it less common in dogs.
Cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs is caused by heart disease. When the heart breaks down, blood returns to the lungs, liver, limbs, etc. This reflux increases tension in the veins, causing fluid to leak into the lungs or abdomen.cavity With fluid in the lungs, the dog coughs.Thus, pulmonary edema indicates a deficiency in the left side of the heart, on the other hand, when the lesion is on the right side, the fluid builds up in the abdomen, causing ascites and swelling in the legs and also in the chest cavity.called pleural effusion. If fluid builds up in the bronchioles of the lung, the dog may experience the sputum of a reddish, sparkling liquid. In dogs with this problem, it is common to notice cardiomegaly and pulmonary edema. Cardiome gall disease is an increase in heart size.
On the other hand, pulmonary edema in non-cardiogenic dogs is an edema that does not come from heart disease, some causes include suffocation, sepsis (generalized infection), pancreatitis, trauma, pneumonia, poisoning, smoke inhalation, etc.
Finally, pulmonary edema in the neurogenic dog occurs after episodes of seizures in which the nervous system is affected, especially the part that acts on the involuntary functions of the internal organs, in this case increases blood flow to the lungs.unnecessarily, causing excess fluid.
Symptoms of pulmonary edema in dogs include
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should quickly go to the veterinarian to confirm or rule out the diagnosis.
Diagnostic tests such as auscultation, chest x-ray or ultrasound are used, as well as blood tests. Electrocardiogram, urine test, and blood pressure measurement are also important tests for pulmonary edema. In animals in the most severe cases special attention is needed, as any manipulation can aggravate the respiratory crisis.
For proper treatment, the veterinarian will determine the cause, if it is an emergency, the protocol is to administer oxygen to the dog, sometimes to sedate him and administer diuretics that help remove excess fluid without causing dehydration, in addition to fluid therapy.Medications that may be used include vasodilators or high blood pressure.The dog should be monitored to control the amount of urine and heart and kidney function, which is the next system that fails in case of a heart problem.
Pulmonary edema in acute dogs puts the life of the animal at risk, so intensive veterinary treatment is essential for its healing.Cardiogenic oedema can cause mild symptoms in dogs with heart disease.In these cases, where the presentation of edema persists over time, you can follow the recommendations below:
The most serious cases of pulmonary edema in dogs can cause the death of the animal by preventing adequate oxygenation. On the other hand, cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs may not be fatal, as well as heart disease, that is, for years, as long as you follow veterinary monitoring. and follow guidelines like those mentioned above. Therefore, the life expectancy of the dog with pulmonary edema will depend on the underlying cause.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis, we suggest taking your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read similar articles about pulmonary edema in dogs: prognosis and treatment, we recommend visiting our Other Health Problems section.