Respiratory Medicine

Cough is a common reason for dogs to be presented for veterinary care, and tracheal collapse is a common cause of chronic cough in dogs. The tracheal lumen remains open during both inspiration and expiration thanks to the support of cartilaginous rings.

Bacterial pneumonia encompasses a wide spectrum of disease from chronic to acute, unilobar or multilobar, and with clinical signs ranging from mild tachypnea or cough to rapidly progressive and fatal pulmonary infection. Cats are subject to bacterial pneumonia far less frequently than are dogs.

Respiratory disease is common in dogs, and can result in a constellation of clinical signs. These clinical signs range from those that are irritating to owners (e.g., nasal discharge, stridorous panting, chronic hacking cough) to those which are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

There are several ways to obtain samples from the airways and lower respiratory tract for cytologic evaluation and microbiologic culture. In general, samples should be handled quickly since respiratory epithelial cells degrade with some rapidity after retrieval, and samples should be handled gently to avoid damaging cell membranes.

The pulmonary system is complex with various anatomical structures performing highly specialized functions. When evaluating the system it is useful to examine each structure for its unique function and associated potential complications. Physical assessment and monitoring tools such as pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas analysis are used to localize respiratory problems and guide treatment which may include supplemental oxygen therapy, appropriate drugs or pulmonary physiotherapy.

Diseases of the respiratory tract are a common reason for cats seeking veterinary medical attention. Depending on the location and type of respiratory disease, the clinical signs are variable.

Recent years have seen the emergence of previously undescribed respiratory infections in dogs and cats. Although these infections remain rare, the potential exists for substantial morbidity and mortality.

Internal medicine experts weigh in on feline asthma, influenza, bacterial infections, and heartworm.

Cats who cannot breathe are the most fragile patients we treat each day. Cats tend to be more compromised on presentation as they hide their breathing issues better from their owners. It is important to balance diagnostic procedures with therapeutic intervention so that these cats can be quickly stabilized and effectively treated.

Acute upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is a source of major morbidity and, less frequently, mortality in the domestic cat. It has been reported to be a major financial burden (Foley and Bannasch 2004) and a leading cause of euthanasia in shelters.

The goal of this presentation is to simply the diagnostic approach and treatment of nasal disease in the feline patient.

Although aspiration pneumonia is a common clinical diagnosis in dogs, studies on the causes, diagnostic findings, and outcome of affected dogs are sparse.

Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are challenging and frequently lethal respiratory disorders encountered in veterinary medicine.

Follow these steps to acquire arterial samples to help diagnose acute lung injury or ARDS.

Guidelines for equine intra-articular therapy

Evaluation of the pet with respiratory disease may be challenging.

The pleural space is defined as the area between the lungs and the chest wall.

Feline upper respiratory infection (URI) is perhaps the most frustrating illness facing shelter veterinarians, managers and staff.

Traumatic thoracic injuries are prevalent in small animals, particularly in dogs.

Treating animals with respiratory distress may be very challenging.

Cough is a common presenting complaint for dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats.

Pulmonary edema is defined as the accumulation of abnormal amount of extravascular lung water.

Blood gas, electrolyte and lactate analysis are very useful in management of the ill or injured dog or cat. Knowledge of normal values and what they indicate can help improve patient care and understanding of the pathophysiological changes accompanying critical illness.

Cats with respiratory distress represent a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the small animal veterinarian.

Respiratory emergencies should always be triaged quickly and with precision.

Initial triage evaluation of the post-trauma patient should include a careful evaluation of respiratory function.

Oxygen delivery to the tissues must be prioritized in any critical patient.

Nasal problems are a frequent reason for seeking veterinary care.

Respiratory dysfunction commonly occurs as a sequela of critical illness in dogs and cats.

Puppies are often physiologically stressed by changes in ownership and new environments.