Dyspnea - Is Your Dog Predisposed?

Dyspnea is a condition where your dog has difficulty breathing. On occasion, it can so serious; it is painful simply to breathe. Most often Dyspnea is associated with lung or heart disease.
However, there can be viral, bacterial, parasitic, genetic, trauma/injury and environmental reasons for their breathing difficulties.

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Short-faced dogs, also known as brachycephalic breeds, are predisposed to upper airway problems. Because of the shape of their face, they have difficulty getting air into their airways. In addition, due to their short face, brachycephalic breeds have problems panting. Since panting is a crucial cooling process for dogs, short-faced dogs are commonly victims of overheating and heat stroke when it is hot and humid. The air doesn't have a chance to "cool down." They also have problems in colder climates, as the cold air doesn't have a chance to "warm up", before going into their lungs.

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Dyspnea can also lead to serious health issues. Your veterinarian may suggest certain surgical procedures to help reduce the risk of creating or exacerbating heart problems.

Signs to watch for

Difficulty breathing
Distress
Coughing
Lethargic
Choking/gagging
Snorting
Snoring
Weight loss
Excessive panting
Unable to "cool down" after walks or exercise

What you can do for your dog to prevent stress:

Limit walks to the cool of the day
Keep walks short
Mild to moderate exercise
Prevent obesity

Treatments include:

Reduce stress
Loose weight
Diuretics
Oxygen - requires hospitalization
Thoracentesis - using a needle to drain fluids from around lungs
Medication
Surgery

Common causes of Dyspnea:

Genetic
Heart failure
Heart disease
Lung disease - hemorrhage, edema, pneumonia, fibrosis, cancer
Inflammatory Disease
Tracheal collapse
Tracheal stenosis - windpipe seriously narrowed in places
Tumors
Pleural effusion
Elongated soft palette
Lesions
Electrocution
Embolism
Seizures
Pharyngeal Disorder
Laryngeal Disorder
Aspiration (e.g. fluid or solids)
Primary Bronchial Collapse
Bronchitis
Alveolis
Rickettsial Infection (parasitic)
Toxoplasmosis infection (parasitic)
Compressed airway
Viral infection (pneumonia)
Bacterial infection
Obstructions (objects blocking the airway, nostril cavity or nasal cavity)
Parasites,
Abnormal fluid accumulation in or around the lungs (from various causes including heart and lung disease);
Trauma/Injury
Stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils)
Stress/Excitement
Environment - toxic inhalation (e.g. fumes, gases or smoke) weather: heat, humidity, cold

Breeds, not necessarily all brachycephalic, most commonly predisposed to Dyspenea,

Affenpinscher
American Staffordshire Terrier
Boston Terrier
Bouvier des Flanders
Boxer
Brussels Griffon
Bulldogs (American, English, French and Valley)
Bull Terrier
Dalmatian
Dogue de Bordeaux
Japanese Chin
Mastiff (Bull, Old English and Neapolitan)
Pekingese
Pit Bull Terrier
Pomeranian
Pug
Shar-Pei
Shih Tzu
Siberian Husky
Toy English Spaniel
Yorkshire Terrier

Bottom line: If your dog exhibits breathing problems, don't wait until more serious medical problems develop. Speak to your veterinarian. A knowledgeable dog owner is a responsible dog owner.

Dyspnea - Is Your Dog Predisposed?

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! - DOG TRAINING - Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida - AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN & S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite

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