Dogs
Pneumonia is a condition where the lungs are inflamed due to a bacterial, fungal or chemical agents. Aspiration pneumonia in dogs occurs after the animal inhales a foreign matter into the lungs. This may occur due to vomiting or regurgitation of gastric acid. Animals suffering from difficulty in swallowing or esophagus problems like paralysis. Some important aspects of aspiration pneumonia are covered in the following paragraphs.
Causes
There are a number of factors that may lead to aspiration pneumonia. These include throat and mouth disorders, esophageal disorders, problems with larynx, etc. Nerve disorders like polyneuropathy and muscular disorders like polymyopathy may also lead to aspiration pneumonia. Blockage of upper respiratory tract called brachycephalic syndrome may also cause aspiration pneumonia. When the dog's swallow reflex is affected after a seizure, head injury, sedation or general anesthesia, it may cause inhalation of a foreign matter. Chronic vomiting, or feeding the dog with tube, may cause accidental movement of food into the lungs.
Symptoms
As you can see there are a number of health disorders that can lead to aspiration pneumonia. If a dog suffers from brachycephalic syndrome, esophageal disorders, dysfunctional nerve disorders, inflammatory muscle disorders, decrease in mental alertness, or has to be feed with the help of a tube, one should watch out for the following symptoms:
Diagnosis
If you suspect a dog is suffering from some respiratory illness like pneumonia or aspiration pneumonia, take him to a vet. The veterinarian will conduct a physical examination of the dog and carry out further tests. These tests include chest X-ray, complete blood profile, abdominal palpitation, etc. The veterinarian may even take samples of the lung fluid to find if there is any bacterial infection involved.
Treatment
When aspiration pneumonia is confirmed, the vet will immediately carry out suction of the airways. This will help get rid of the foreign matter in the lungs. Dogs showing signs of respiratory distress are given oxygen. The dog will be given lots of fluid, in case of dehydration and shock. The dog should be given plenty of rest and should not be exerted. Make sure the dog does not lie on one side for more than two hours. Help him change his sleeping position regularly. A humidifier or gentle thumping of the chest wall will help loosen the secretions. A bronchodilator therapy will help in opening the airways. Antibiotics will be prescribed if bacterial infection is found. In some rare cases, surgery will be carried out to remove the foreign body or tumor that is causing the aspiration.
After the dog seems to have stabilized, the veterinarian may suggest a mild exercise for the dog. This will help stimulate cough. When the dog coughs, it will help clear his airways. Aspiration pneumonia in dogs can be a life-threatening situation. Stomach contents entering the respiratory pathway may prove to have many harmful consequences. The animal may be kept in the hospital for several days, till the condition is stabilized. The discharged canine should be given medications prescribed on time, and taken for recommended follow-ups. One cannot prevent aspiration at times. Remember, a dog with aspiration pneumonia will take time to recover. During this time, make sure you give your dog plenty of rest, affection and a good diet as recommended by the veterinarian. One needs to remain alert and take good care of the dog and help him walk the path of recovery.
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Dogs
Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs
Pneumonia is a condition where the lungs are inflamed due to a bacterial, fungal or chemical agents. Aspiration pneumonia in dogs occurs after the animal inhales a foreign matter into the lungs. This may occur due to vomiting or regurgitation of gastric acid. Animals suffering from difficulty in swallowing or esophagus problems like paralysis. Some important aspects of aspiration pneumonia are covered in the following paragraphs.
Causes
There are a number of factors that may lead to aspiration pneumonia. These include throat and mouth disorders, esophageal disorders, problems with larynx, etc. Nerve disorders like polyneuropathy and muscular disorders like polymyopathy may also lead to aspiration pneumonia. Blockage of upper respiratory tract called brachycephalic syndrome may also cause aspiration pneumonia. When the dog's swallow reflex is affected after a seizure, head injury, sedation or general anesthesia, it may cause inhalation of a foreign matter. Chronic vomiting, or feeding the dog with tube, may cause accidental movement of food into the lungs.
Symptoms
As you can see there are a number of health disorders that can lead to aspiration pneumonia. If a dog suffers from brachycephalic syndrome, esophageal disorders, dysfunctional nerve disorders, inflammatory muscle disorders, decrease in mental alertness, or has to be feed with the help of a tube, one should watch out for the following symptoms:
- Coughing
- Weakness
- Exercise intolerance
- Fever
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Cyanosis
Diagnosis
If you suspect a dog is suffering from some respiratory illness like pneumonia or aspiration pneumonia, take him to a vet. The veterinarian will conduct a physical examination of the dog and carry out further tests. These tests include chest X-ray, complete blood profile, abdominal palpitation, etc. The veterinarian may even take samples of the lung fluid to find if there is any bacterial infection involved.
Treatment
When aspiration pneumonia is confirmed, the vet will immediately carry out suction of the airways. This will help get rid of the foreign matter in the lungs. Dogs showing signs of respiratory distress are given oxygen. The dog will be given lots of fluid, in case of dehydration and shock. The dog should be given plenty of rest and should not be exerted. Make sure the dog does not lie on one side for more than two hours. Help him change his sleeping position regularly. A humidifier or gentle thumping of the chest wall will help loosen the secretions. A bronchodilator therapy will help in opening the airways. Antibiotics will be prescribed if bacterial infection is found. In some rare cases, surgery will be carried out to remove the foreign body or tumor that is causing the aspiration.
After the dog seems to have stabilized, the veterinarian may suggest a mild exercise for the dog. This will help stimulate cough. When the dog coughs, it will help clear his airways. Aspiration pneumonia in dogs can be a life-threatening situation. Stomach contents entering the respiratory pathway may prove to have many harmful consequences. The animal may be kept in the hospital for several days, till the condition is stabilized. The discharged canine should be given medications prescribed on time, and taken for recommended follow-ups. One cannot prevent aspiration at times. Remember, a dog with aspiration pneumonia will take time to recover. During this time, make sure you give your dog plenty of rest, affection and a good diet as recommended by the veterinarian. One needs to remain alert and take good care of the dog and help him walk the path of recovery.
- Pneumonia Treatment For Dogs
We all love our pet dogs and enjoy spending time with them. However, if you want your dog to always remain fit and healthy, you need to take special efforts and ensure that it gets a good diet essential for its growth. It is also important to provide...
- Can Dogs Get Colds?
Dogs can contract a cold by being in proximity with a dog who is already infected. Along with this, stress, low immunity levels, and inhospitable weather conditions can be additional contributing factors. But most pet owners usually have trouble...
- Enlarged Spleen In Dogs
The spleen is an important organ that filters the red blood cells and holds a reserve of white blood cells. It plays an important role in the immune system. The spleen is also responsible for producing and storing red blood cells. An enlarged spleen...
- Wheezing In Dogs
The term 'wheezing' refers to the coarse whistling sound that is produced when air flows through constricted airways. Such sounds are mainly attributed to the increased airflow velocity in the constricted airways. When the airways are constricted,...
- Breathing Problems In Dogs
Panting in dogs is very common, as it is the method for them to relax. But if you notice certain changes in the breathing pattern or excess panting, then your dog has some problem in the respiratory tract. Similar to humans, even dogs can have breathing...