In this article on our site we are going to explain what is pulmonary edema in dogs, a life-threatening problem that compromises he alth of our dog and that will require the intervention of the veterinarian. We will also comment on the causes that can cause it, what the treatment will depend on, and what symptoms we should pay attention to in order to identify this disorder. Finally, we will refer to the care that these dogs will need.
What is pulmonary edema in dogs?
Pulmonary edema is formed by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs This makes it more or less severely difficult for the dog to breathe, presenting from mild symptoms that barely interfere in the normal life of the animal, to a life-threatening condition. We can also differentiate between an edema of acute presentation and one that is maintained over time, such as cardiogenic edema, derived from a heart problem. It is important to know, therefore, that it is not a disease in itself, but the symptom of another alteration.
Causes of pulmonary edema in dogs
Basically we can distinguish between cardiogenic, non-cardiogenic and neurogenic pulmonary edema, less frequent in dogs.
cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs is caused by a heart disease When the heart fails, there is a reflux of blood to the lungs, liver, extremities, etc. This reflux increases the tension in the veins, which is what causes the fluid to leak into the lungs or abdominal cavity. With fluid in the lungs, the dog coughs. Thus, pulmonary edema indicates failure of the left heart. On the other hand, when the lesion is on the right side, the fluid accumulates in the abdomen, causing ascites and edema in the legs and also in the cavity thoracic, which is known as pleural effusion If the liquid accumulates in the bronchioles of the lungs, the dog may expectoration of reddish and foamy liquid. Dogs with this problem often have cardiomegaly and pulmonary edema. Cardiomegaly is the enlargement of the heart,
For its part, the non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema is one that is not caused by heart disease. Some causes are suffocation, septicemia (generalized infection), pancreatitis, trauma, pneumonia, poisoning, smoke inhalation, etc.
Finally, neurogenic pulmonary edema in dogs is one that occurs after episodes of seizures in which there is involvement of the nerve, specifically the one that acts on the involuntary functions of the internal organs. In this case, the blood flow in the lungs is increased unnecessarily, thus causing excess fluid.
Symptoms of pulmonary edema in dogs
Symptoms of pulmonary edema include the following:
- Rapid breathing or tachypnea.
- Respiratory difficulty or dyspnea. In severe cases the dog literally drowns.
- Weakness.
- Nervousness.
- Strange postures in an attempt to find air.
- Runny nose which may be hemorrhagic.
- Occasional dry cough or, if it progresses, constant and wet.
- In the most severe cases, any movement can cause the dog's mucous membranes to turn bluish (cyanosis) from lack of air.
If you detect any of these symptoms, you must immediately go to the vet to confirm or rule out the diagnosis.
Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary edema in dogs
diagnostic tests are used, such as auscultation, chest x-ray or ultrasound, in addition to blood tests. Electrocardiogram, urine test and blood pressure measurement are also important tests to know if a dog has pulmonary edema. In the most serious animals, special care must be taken, since any manipulation can exacerbate the respiratory crisis.
How is pulmonary edema cured in dogs?
For proper treatment, the vet will determine the cause. If it is an emergency, the protocol to follow is give the dog oxygen, sometimes sedate him, and administer diuretics to help eliminate excess fluid, without causing dehydration, in addition to fluid therapy Other drugs that can be used include vasodilators or hypertensives. The dog must be monitored to control the amount of urine and its heart and kidney function, which is the next system to fail in cases where there is a heart problem.
How to care for a dog with pulmonary edema?
Pulmonary edema in dogs of acute presentation puts the life of the animal at risk, so that, for its recovery, intensive veterinary treatment is essential. Cardiogenic edema can cause mild symptoms in dogs with heart disease. In these cases in which the presentation of edema is maintained over time, we can follow the following recommendations:
- Obviously, the first thing is to follow the indications and medications prescribed by the veterinarian, as well as the check-ups that he/she calls us. Special attention must be paid to the doses and times of drug administration.
- We must avoid subjecting the dog to intense exercise.
- The food will be specifically for dogs with heart problems.
- Water should always be available to him, since if we are administering diuretics, we must be careful not to dehydrate him.
- You have to know that the dog, shortly after ingesting the diuretic, will need to evacuate a considerable amount of urine.
How long does a dog with pulmonary edema live?
The most serious cases of pulmonary edema in dogs can cause the death of the animal by preventing adequate oxygenation. On the other hand, a cardiogenic pulmonary edema can "coexist" with the dog in the same way as his heart disease, that is, for years, with proper veterinary follow-up and guidelines such as the ones we have indicated. Thus, the life expectancy of a dog with pulmonary edema will depend on the underlying cause.
