The respiratory system is responsible for supplying the body with oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide. For this reason, it is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Dyspnea is the medical term for difficult or labored breathing. Although not a condition in itself, dyspnea can indicate a wide range of serious underlying illnesses in cats and dogs.
Causes of Dyspnea
There are many potential causes of dyspnea in pets. These include abnormalities of the respiratory tract, asthma, bronchitis, lung disease, heart failure, infectious diseases, trauma, pneumonia, and cancer. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds and obese pets are particularly prone to developing dyspnea.
Symptoms of Dyspnea
It is important to visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following signs or symptoms of dyspnea.
- Coughing
- Increased respiratory rate
- Noisy breathing
- Panting
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Collapse
Diagnosis of Dyspnea
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a complete physical examination to evaluate your pet’s overall health and check for clinical signs of dyspnea. During the physical examination, your veterinarian will listen to your pet’s lungs with a stethoscope. This will help them identify issues such as fluid buildup in the lungs.
Other diagnostic tests that may be performed include a urinalysis, complete blood count, and biochemistry profile. This tests will help identify potential causes of dyspnea such as infection or impaired organ function. Depending on the results of these tests, your veterinarian may recommend additional testing. These may include imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans to examine your pet’s internal organs.
Treatment of Dyspnea
Treatment of dyspnea will depend on its underlying cause. In some cases, hospitalization will be necessary for stabilization and monitoring. Fluid and oxygen therapy may also be required to treat severe dehydration and respiratory problems.
Potential treatments for dyspnea include antibiotics to combat respiratory infections, steroids to treat asthma, bronchodilator therapy to increase airflow to the lungs, and surgery to correct abnormalities of the respiratory tract. Pets with serious illnesses such as cancer or heart failure will require specialized treatment to manage their condition.
Your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment options based on your pet’s specific needs. Please follow all treatment advice closely and administer prescribed medications as instructed.
Prevention of Dyspnea
Dyspnea in pets can be difficult to prevent since there are multiple potential causes of the condition. We recommend feeding a healthy, balanced diet and providing plenty of exercise to manage your pet’s weight. However, it is important to avoid over-exercising brachycephalic breeds, particularly during hot or humid weather. Finally, please schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s overall health.
