chloelogoa

       Canine Pneumonia          

      

talalogoa


Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation inside the lung tissue.  This illness is often seen in young puppies that are below the age of one year old - although it can be seen in older dogs that have immuno suppressive problems where they don't have a sound immune system.  Coughing dogs with a history of megaesophagus or with a history of symptoms typical of megaesophagus should also be x-rayed for pneumonia.
 

Pneumonia can be caused by many sources
Parasitic - The illness may be caused by a parasitic infection including lungworm and heartworms.

Viral - A virus may cause the illness normally as a result of canine distemper or a URI - Upper Respiratory Infection.

Fungus - Coccidioidomycosis Immitis or Cryptococcus Neoformans - both forms of fungus can also cause the illness.

Bacteria - A secondary bacterial infection due to kennel cough and problems with the esophagus may cause the illness.

Allergy - An allergic reaction may cause too many inflammatory cells to get into the lungs causing the illness - this may be due to cigarette smoke.

Organ Failure - The illness may also be secondary after failure of a specific organ like the heart.

Liquid Aspiration - Canine pneumonia may also be due to the aspiration of liquid - this is relatively common in puppies and is when the milk flows back into the trachea as opposed to the esophagus.
In most cases of pneumonia there is a bacterial component. This means that no matter what started the pneumonia, bacteria have joined in adding their own special pus, fever, and potential for disaster; in most cases, management of the bacteria is vital. This article centers on the management of bacterial pneumonia.



Symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite, sneezing, tiredness and lethargy, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath.  They can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on how much lung tissue or lung function has been compromised and persistant coughing is probably the number one symptom associated with pneumonia.  This means that the dog is panting with an open mouth or taking very deep breaths rapidly as they are trying to get the most air possible.  Sometimes the dog will not want to lay on their side because they can't get enough air if they lay on their side. Pneumonia compromises oxygen exchange within the lung tissue and therefore, oxygen is not as high in the blood stream as it should.  The dogs gums will look as if they have a blue tinge to them. 

Dogs who have mild symptoms, are eating well and still active despite having a hacking cough can be treated at home.  Dogs whose symptoms are moderate, are inactive and have a poor appetite, they  need to be hospitalised.  Dogs who are unable to get enough air into their lungs are classified as critical and these patients need oxygen therapy and possibly 24 hour care.

Intravenous fluid therapy
Coughing should not be surpressed, it is therapeutic and needs to be encouraged. Coughing brings up the pus, mucus, and inflammatory cell products that make the dog sick. If the secretions of the lung are allowed to dry up, the dog will not be able to cough them up. For this reason, IV fluids must be maintained to keep the dog hydrated and keep the respiratory secretions wet.

Antibiotic therapy
Antibiotics kill the bacteria. they are used to penetrate into the pus and mucus.

Your vet may wash out the lungs taking a sample fluid from deep inside the lung to grow a culture.  A tracheal wash involves a light sedation and will identify the organism involved so that epecific antibiotics can be used to kill it.

Light exercise is also helpful in mobilizing the respiratory secretions. The patient should not be over-exerted as he/she does not have normal lung capacity but one can use one’s judgment as to what level of exercise is tolerated by the patient. 



Aspiration Pneumonia Diagnosis and Management of Bacterial Pneumonia





chloebutton  talabutton  


The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.