Dogs are susceptible to pulmonary edema, a condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs. Fluid in dogs' lungs can cause difficulty breathing, and in severe cases can be fatal. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for this condition.
Fluid in the chest in dogs is known in veterinary terms as pleural effusion. It's expected that there is a very small amount of fluid in the pleural space; but if there is a problem with drainage or an excess of production, the accumulation of fluid can cause a crisis situation for your pet.
Chest x‑rays are typically done for dogs with lower respiratory signs such as cough, rapid shallow breathing, or labored breathing. Blood gas analysis or pulse oximetry measure the amount of oxygen in the blood and may help assess the need for oxygen therapy in an animal with severe labored breathing.
If your dog has been diagnosed with pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) it may be an indication of an underlying health condition, exposure to toxins, or trauma. Depending on the cause of your pet's pumonary edema, the fluid can build up slowly over a period of time or very rapidly.
Treatment of Fluid in the Lungs in Dogs
Oxygen therapy may be started, along with antibiotics to prevent pneumonia. In this case oxygen, rest and diuretics (to hasten the removal of fluid) will be used. Also, vasodilators (to widen blood cells) might be necessary, depending on the situation.
Coupage is a technique that can be performed by veterinary staff and pet owners to help clear secretions from the lungs. Coupage is performed by striking the chest gently but firmly with cupped hands.
Breathing Problems
When your dog has difficulty breathing, you may notice fast, laboured breaths, a wide-open mouth and an extended tongue. You may also notice pale or bluish gums, panting, or your dog coughing a foamy, frothy liquid.
Dogs with a tracheal collapse have a very distinct sounding dry cough, it's often described as sounding like a goose honk. Other symptoms to watch out for include: Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia in dogs and cats may include a moist or productive cough, rapid respiratory (breathing) rate, nasal discharge, loud breathing sounds, malaise/depression, loss of appetite, and/or weight loss.
These may be symptoms of acute pulmonary edema. Acute pulmonary edema develops suddenly. If left untreated, the fluid in your lungs can cause you to drown.
Many dogs with CHF will tire out more easily, have reduced stamina, and do not engage in playing or walking as they once did. Coughing when at rest or sleeping, excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly, and pale or bluish gums are also signs associated with heart failure.
Stage 4: CHF is in its final stage. Breathing becomes difficult even when at rest. Fluid can accumulate in various parts of the body, causing swollen legs or belly, making it difficult to walk. It can even cause vomiting.
Signs of ARDS include increased respiratory rate, blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes (gums, insides of the eyelids) due to poor oxygen delivery, and, occasionally, coughing. Some affected dogs may have pink, foamy fluid from the mouth or nose, which is coming from the dog's lungs.
A honking noise, stridor (high pitched continuous squeal usually on inspiration, or breathing in), or stertor (discontinuous low pitched sound like a clicking or snore) heard from a dog with collapsing trachea, laryngeal paralysis, or brachycephalic syndrome, may indicate that the pet is having trouble getting air in ...
Symptoms of Respiratory Infections
Dogs show a number of symptoms when they have a respiratory infection, including watery eyes, discharge from the nose, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and fever. Your dog may not want to play as usual or may refuse to eat.
Potential causes include inner/middle ear infections, intoxication, strokes, tumors, infectious or inflammatory diseases (meningitis), idiopathic vestibular disease (also called “old dog” vestibular syndrome), or other less likely causes.
What Does Congestion in Dogs Look and Sound Like? You will likely hear the congestion in your dog's nose and airways. They may breathe heavily, very fast, and/or inhale sharply. Sometimes this causes a snoring sound, and at others, a whistling sound.
Dog breathing problems can range from common allergies to severe heart or lung disease. If you notice issues like excessive panting, coughing, or wheezing, your first step is to have your canine companion checked out by your vet. Your vet can determine the underlying cause of the problem and suggest treatment.
If your pet is unconscious/unresponsive and breathing, the best position to help them maintain an open airway is to put them into the recovery position on their right hand side. Extend their head back slightly to keep the tongue forward off the back of their throat and their airway clear.
Normal inspiratory sounds are soft and low-pitched. Expiratory sounds may be even softer and lower in pitch. Normal sounds are described as bronchial and vesicular sounds. Bronchial sounds are similar to tracheal sounds generated by the major airways.
With treatment dogs generally recover well from pneumonia, but if the condition is left untreated symptoms may become severe and serious complications can develop.