The respiratory system in dogs starts from the nose with many large as well as small air passage tubules as well as lungs. When a dog starts to breathe, the air gets along with the nostrils or mouth then to the pharynx. After this air from the pharynx moves towards the next part called the trachea, which divides into the bronchi then bronchioles in the lungs. At last, there are many air sacs known as alveoli. In alveoli, there is a barrier of a thin membrane between the blood and the air or gases. When respiratory gas exchange does not occur or inefficient availability due to disease, the animal may die due to insufficient oxygen.
There are many diseases regarding the dog’s respiratory tract from which some of the common respiratory diseases of dogs are given below:
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)
Cancers and Tumors of Lung and Airway
Laryngitis
There are following general signs of respiratory disorders of dogs:
Discharge from nostrils i.e, pus, mucus, or blood
Breathing problem
Fast breathing
Dry cough or with pus, mucus, or blood
Pain sensation
Shallow breathing
Noise such as grunting
Dogs with respiratory tract disorders may be administered the following drugs for different disorders:
Bronchodilators.
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
Mast Cell Stabilizers & Anti-IgE Antibodies
Corticosteroids
Antihistamines and Epinephrine
Antimicrobials & Antivirals
Pulmonary Surfactants
Other Agents.
Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) in Dogs:
Symptoms
Severe cough
Nausea
Fatigue
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Vomiting
Treatment:
There is generally no specific treatment for viral infections. Antibiotics are useful against this bacterium. More severe signs of this disease are due to bacteria involvement, particularly Bordetella bronchiseptica.
Cancers and Tumors of Lung:
Symptoms
Pain
Dyspnea
Tachypnea
The low energy level and lethargy
Lameness
Gradual weight loss
Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
Poor appetite
Treatment:
Mostly, Surgery is done to remove the part of the lung having a tumor. Tumors of lungs that cannot be removed by surgical operations or those having heavy spread may be treated with chemotherapeutic drugs.
Symptoms
Cough
Fever
Runny nose
Reduced appetite
Eye discharge
Lethargy
Treatment:
Dog having flu does not have any specific treatment. Treatment is supportive, and a veterinarian can talk over you to keep your dog comfortable during his illness and recovery in the best way by checking it. Some dogs may need supportive care to aid their recovery such as fluid therapy and also some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the dog’s fever.
Symptoms
Deep cough
Wheezing
Rapid breathing
Fever
Difficulty breathing
Runny nose
Lethargy
Appetite and weight loss.
Treatment:
Commonly veterinarians prescribe drugs for the treatment of aspiration pneumonia or infectious bacterial pneumonia in dogs includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs for pain and fever. Expectorants are given for mucous and other secretions removal. Bronchodilators are given for relief from breathing problems and cough.
Symptoms
Sounding hoarse when barking.
Issues swallowing food properly.
Bad breath or Trouble breathing
Voice loss
Sore throat
Treatment:
Corticosteroids may be given to your dog to reduce inflammation and obstruction. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be used as an alternate. Diuretic medicines may be used to alleviate the fluid build-up in the larynx and lungs. Diagnosis and treatment of the primary causes of laryngitis are essentia
Symptoms
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, breathing with mouth open, rapid breathing, blue lips, and tongue, crackling sound while breathing, and weakness. Their skin will be cold.
Treatment:
Antibiotics, diuretics for removal of excess fluid, intravenous fluids and colloids, and anti-inflammatory drugs are all common prescriptions for dogs suffering from non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
Symptoms
The signs of lung flukes are cough, bloody mucus, may develop pneumonia, pneumothorax and bronchiectasis can be seen. After ingestion, in the first 3 weeks, symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, hives, and fever.
Treatment:
Although there are no commercial products generally prescribed for the treatment of dog lung flukes, there are different antiparasitic drugs that are efficient for treating this infection. Dogs can be treated with antiparasitic drugs such as praziquantel or Fenbendazole (Panacur™).
Treatment:
Lungworm infection in dogs is a challenge for a veterinarian to treat, but there is research that few antiparasitic drugs are effective against lungworm infection. Especially when combined with the removal of the nodules by surgery in the trachea. It may be necessary to continue antiparasitic medication for up to 2 months.
Preventive Measures:
Coldness can cause severe respiratory diseases. Weaning, dust, drafts, poor ventilation, dampness, and also the major problem of interaction between different age groups of dogs all play a role to be a cause of respiratory diseases.
Ventilation is important. There should not be sudden dietary changes. There should be good food without any contamination.
Mixing of stray animals and stress from different sources should be minimized as far as possible.
Immunization also helps to control some respiratory infections. But also there should be proper environmental conditions and animal care. There should also be proper vaccination of dogs.
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