Dog Emphysema

Dog Emphysema

As an aftermath of diseases of the lungs – and from other unknown causes – sections of the honeycomb lung tissue breakdown, allowing large pockets to form. These pockets often collect mucus. When many of these pockets are present, a great deal of the lung tissue is useless and the dog has to breathe faster and deeper to oxygenate the blood. This disease which in horses is commonly known as heaves. The symptoms are similar in both species.

There is no cure, but temporary alleviation of symptoms is possible. Treatment, however, should never be considered more than temporary relief.

The infection can be caused due to several reasons the incidence of infectious germs in the form of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The disease can also occur due to the inhalation of toxic fumes. The bacteria infection may lead to bronchopneumonia where symptoms like anorexia, depression, humid cough, and fever may be accompanied. In the case of viral infection, the symptoms of pneumonia and edema come into prominence. The viral infection may invite further bacterial invasion if the infectious disease is left untreated. Certain dog parasites are also responsible for causing cough in the lungs.

Information on Subcutaneous Emphysema

• The dogs suffering from the disease have bloated appearance because of the huge amount of air trapped in the dermal layers of the affected skin. The air starts entering the affected tissues from various parts.
• One of the reasons behind the bloating of the disease is trauma. In most cases, dogs get affected by the infection because of receiving dog bites and wounds during a dog fight. The severe bloating takes place after almost a week of receiving the wound. The swelling becomes quite chronic even though the dogs receive the wounds in minor forms.
• The radiographic tests are also conducted due to the presence of trauma in the chest, lungs, trachea, and such. In the case of dog emphysema, the radiographs reveal a huge spec between the outline of the skin and the walls and the outline of the muscle mass of the dog.
• Along with the body swelling the dog also develops swelling of the mammary glands as well.
• The disease is not life-threatening in form and can be effectively treated if the affected animal receives medical supervision at an early age of the disorder.
• The dog suffers from severe thoracic pain and avoids moving around. It feels quite weak for rapid movement.

There are other disorders related to emphysema like pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema is characterized by tachypnea a severe form of the disease. The affected dog would have foamy soft mucous with noisy respiration. The chronic form of pulmonary emphysema is associated with malfunctioning or decreased form of respiratory function along with the incidence of bronchitis. The disease with its symptoms is more common among aged dogs. Persistent winning, coughing along with irregularities of the pulse rate are some of the common symptoms found in dogs with pulmonary emphysema.

See more: Dog Encephalitis