Blood in the lungs of a dog. Pulmonary Edema in Dogs: Causes and Emergency Treatment

Pulmonary edema is pathological condition, in which there is an accumulation of fluid and electrolytes in the interstitial space (interstitium) of the lungs and / or in the pulmonary alveoli. Depending on the cause that caused respiratory failure, cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema in animals is distinguished.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema develops with left-sided heart failure (most often mitral valve). Due to valvular insufficiency, the ejected blood backs up into the heart (regurgitation). High blood pressure in the left side of the heart leads to stagnation venous blood in the lungs and increased fluid transudation into the interstitium and alveoli.

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema- swelling caused by any other reasons. This type respiratory failure is due to an increase in the permeability of the pulmonary vessels (with cardiogenic edema, the hydrostatic pressure in the vessels increases, and not their permeability).

Causes of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema in cats and dogs:

1) Neurogenic edema - electrical trauma, craniocerebral trauma, convulsions.

2) Inflammatory edema- infectious and infectious diseases.

3) Decreased level of albumin in the blood, leading to a decrease in plasma oncotic pressure - gastrointestinal disorders, liver disease, glomerulopathy, hyperhydration, starvation.

4) Toxic edema - various ways penetration into the body toxic substances e.g. inhalation carbon monoxide, snake bite, poisoning, uremia, etc.

5) Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis.

6) Sepsis.

7) Neoplasms - obstruction of the lymphatic vessels.

Development mechanism

The general mechanism by which pulmonary edema develops in dogs and cats is a violation of the water exchange between the vessels of the lungs and the lung tissue due to the reasons described above, as a result of which fluid enters the interstitium and alveoli. Increased fluid content in the lung markedly reduces its elasticity and reduces volume. In the alveoli, the presence of fluid leads to the thinning of the surfactant (a substance that prevents the collapse of the lung), the collapse of the lung alveoli and the displacement of air. All this interferes with normal gas exchange in the lungs.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of pulmonary edema in dogs and cats include restlessness, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, cyanosis (cyanosis) of the mucous membranes, abdominal breathing with an open mouth. At the beginning, the animals take forced posture stand with legs wide apart. Then, as the pathology worsens, they take lateral lying position. In some cases, expectoration of liquid contents is observed. AT severe cases wheezing can be heard.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of pulmonary edema in cats and dogs is based on auscultation (listening) chest, as well as an x-ray of the chest cavity. Auscultation can reveal moist rales in the lungs. With cardiogenic pulmonary edema, heart murmurs and rhythm disturbances (eg, gallop rhythm) may be heard. X-ray, as a rule, is performed in two projections, direct and lateral. The picture shows a darkening of the pulmonary field, stagnation is traced in large vessels, and small contrast poorly. In the case of cardiogenic edema, an increase in the cardiac shadow is often observed. With left-sided heart failure, you can see an increase in the left half of the heart. Alveolar edema is characterized by strong compaction of the lung at the base of the heart. If the animal is in critical condition, it is first stabilized and then x-rayed.

Therapeutic measures

If pulmonary edema is suspected, dogs and cats should be treated immediately and consist of prompt implementation resuscitation. An animal that can breathe on its own is given oxygen therapy. In the absence of productive respiratory movements tracheal intubation is performed, followed by aspiration of the contents from the tube and artificial ventilation lungs. As a rule, diuretics and corticosteroids are used intravenously. The rest of the treatment depends on the pathology that caused the pulmonary edema. The electrolyte composition of the blood is also monitored by means of a gas analyzer.

If you find any breathing problems in your pet, contact the clinic immediately. Such conditions, as a rule, are urgent, and in case of untimely medical care the animal may die.

Veterinary center "DobroVet"

Such a pathology as pulmonary edema in a dog is associated with overflow of capillaries, vessels and veins of the lung parenchyma with blood, as a result of which its liquid fraction sweats into the lumen of the respiratory tract, alveoli and interstitial tissue. This condition is critical, as it causes a violation of breathing and gas exchange. Pathology can be a consequence of other diseases or develop independently. It can proceed in a mild, moderate or critical form, depending on which the tactics of treatment and the prognosis for the recovery of the animal will be determined.

Such pathology of the lungs as edema is most often found in sled and sports dogs, which is associated with large physical activity. Often the disease develops against the background of problems with cardiovascular system or due to increased venous pressure in the organ itself. Depending on the form of the disease, its causes can be divided into 2 groups.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs is associated with heart failure or increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation, and may be caused by one of the following:

congenital pathology, such as a heart park;
an increase in the heart muscle or part of it, which was caused by hypertension;
violation of the functionality of the cardiac aorta or valve, blockage of the pulmonary artery;
diseases of a rheumatic nature (often can develop during childbirth or when carrying puppies, especially if the bitch had toxicosis);
coronary insufficiency.

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema is associated with thinning of capillary tissue, and usually develops against the background of various pathological processes in the body:

The development of the disease can be caused by a violation of the work of the central nervous system. The causes of swelling in this case may be:
- head injury;
- inflammatory process;
- tumors and other neoplasms;
- thrombus;
- cerebral hemorrhage.
The disease can be provoked by pathology respiratory system, then the reason for its development must be sought in the following:
- chest injury (closed or penetrating);
- transferred severe form of bronchitis or pneumonia;
- tissue damage or burns caused by inhalation of toxic gases or smoke;
- asphyxia.
Renal failure of chronic form.
Edema also develops due to medical intervention: complication after surgery (usually on cervicothoracic region), by infusion or blood transfusion.
With a non-cardiogenic type of disease, the cause of edema can be a common household injury:
- the state of shock of the animal after a strong fright;
- electrical injury;
- prolonged exposure to the sun, which can lead to heat or sunstroke;
- insect bites;
- poisoning of the body caused by the bite of a poisonous snake;
- allergic manifestations or anaphylactic shock.

Pulmonary edema in dogs can have various causes, the main thing is to recognize the disease in time.

Pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of the disease

The development of the disease is associated with a violation of water metabolism and the colloidal blood system. As a result of pathogenic processes, the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs swell, the lumen of the respiratory tract decreases, and the alveolar walls lose their elasticity. All this together makes it difficult for air to enter and exit the alveoli. Due to the deviations that have arisen, there is:

excitation of the respiratory center;
simulation of salivation and sweating;
excessive thickening of the blood, as a result, overload of the cardiovascular system;
violation metabolic processes in tissues;
disorder of cellular nutrition of the brain, kidneys, striated muscles.

Pulmonary edema occurs due to the filling of the interstitial space and alveoli with blood and plasma, as a result of which the animal develops respiratory failure. The process of filling with liquids occurs gradually. If the breeder pays attention to the symptoms in time, and the dog will quickly get necessary treatment her life could be saved.

Regardless of the rate of development of the disease, the clinical picture will consist of the following symptoms:

the animal feels oppressed and depressed (lack of reaction to treats or food);
shortness of breath may appear (it will manifest itself as follows: the dog spreads its front paws wide and stretches its neck, thus straightening the airways);
the animal's breathing becomes unnatural (breaths are frequent and tense, accompanied by strongly straightened nostrils);
coughing or wheezing may develop;
mucous membranes and skin change color (eyelids, gums and tongue may become pale or, conversely, turn blue);
body temperature drops;
a bloody fluid may be released from the mouth or nostrils (for example, during a cough or just like that);
vesicular breathing weakens, and is practically not audible (the symptom will only appear when viewed with a stethoscope);
hypoxia develops, the first signs of which can be seen by nervous breakdown animal (convulsions, coordination of movements is disturbed, the pet may lose consciousness).

Pulmonary edema in dogs symptoms may not have all of the list. Basically, only a few signs of the disease can appear.

It is necessary to pay attention to any anomalies in the behavior of the animal, and if necessary, contact the veterinarian.

Methods of diagnosis and principles of treatment

If the treatment is not carried out on time, the dog will die from asphyxia. That is why it is so important to diagnose the disease in time and start therapy.

The veterinarian will be able to make a diagnosis based on the collected anamnesis and clinical symptoms ailment. Also appointed general analysis blood. The disease will be manifested by leukocytosis, increased activity blood enzymes, hyperazotemia. To put correct diagnosis, the veterinarian should exclude diseases with similar clinical picture. These include:

lobar pneumonia;
tracheal collapse;
paralysis of the larynx;
Availability foreign body in the respiratory tract;
infectious disease in the acute phase.

For confirmation pulmonary edema may be assigned x-ray examination, which will also determine the cause of the disease. Diagnostics is milestone on the road to recovery. Treatment of the animal will be effective only if the correct diagnosis is made.

When confirming pulmonary edema, the main thing is not to self-medicate. The disease is quite serious qualified assistance the animal can only get in a veterinary clinic.

In the clinic, edema will be removed based on the following provisions:

If possible, it is necessary to establish and eliminate the cause of the disease. Otherwise, the treatment will be aimed only at stopping the symptoms, which will immediately return after the drug is discontinued.
During treatment, the animal is placed in a cool place with good ventilation.
Reduce physical activity dogs, as any exercise increases the need for oxygen.
Carry out drug therapy:
- solution administered intravenously calcium chloride or Gluconate, and also a solution of Glucose;
- if the disease was the result of heart failure, then additional injections of cardiac preparations are made (Caffeine solution, Cordiamin, etc.);
- with nervous behavior of the animal, sedatives may be prescribed.
Carry out oxygen therapy. Oxygen inhalations should reduce the manifestations of hypoxia.

To remove puffiness and stop the symptoms accompanying the disease is the first thing that treatment is aimed at. Sometimes surgery may be needed to improve a dog's health. This is mainly due to the elimination of the root cause of the disease.

Pulmonary edema in dogs, a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the air spaces of the lungs. Fluid (transudate) prevents gas exchange and oxygen transport to body tissues. Oxygen deficiency leads to hypoxia (reduced oxygen content), which in turn can cause the death of the animal.

Lungs - paired organ located in the chest of humans and animals. They are formed by a system of tubes that transport air, and sacs - alveoli. It is in them, in the alveoli, that the main gas exchange occurs, oxygen enters the blood, and carbon dioxide enters the external environment. With the accumulation of fluid rather than air in the alveoli, the space required for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, is sharply limited.

As pulmonary edema develops in dogs, fluid may accumulate both slowly ( chronic form), causing breathing difficulties, and quickly ( acute form), causing an acute respiratory failure within minutes or hours.

Why does pulmonary edema occur?

Pulmonary edema in dogs often occurs as a result of chronic disease hearts. Other causes of edema include sepsis (a severe systemic infection of the body), anaphylaxis ( allergic reaction immediate type), oncological, infectious diseases, drowning, ingestion (aspiration) foreign objects, liquid or food. Some lung diseases can also lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lumen of the alveoli.

How does pulmonary edema manifest itself?

The severity of symptoms of pulmonary edema directly correlates with the area of affected (fluid-filled) alveoli. Key features include:

For diagnosis, in addition to a clinical examination and auscultation (listening to respiratory sounds with a phonendoscope), an x-ray examination of the chest is used. In critical situations, when there is a significant threat to life, all diagnostic measures carried out only after the stabilization of the patient.

The prognosis for pulmonary edema in dogs depends on both the severity of the disease and the cause of the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the airways.

What is the treatment for pulmonary edema?

Treatment of pulmonary edema has several goals:

Patient stabilization. It is necessary to increase the amount of oxygen inhaled by the patient. To do this, use the supply of oxygen through a mask, nasal catheter, oxygen chamber. Along with this, sedative therapy is used to reduce stress and respiratory rate. In severe cases, when the number of affected alveoli exceeds significant limits assisted ventilation is required.

Medical therapy for edema. Apply medications to resolve edema, and also carry out correction related disorders metabolism.

Identification and correction of the cause that caused edema - therapy for heart failure, pneumonia, oncological process etc. At this stage, you will need additional diagnostics(ECHOCG, blood tests, bronchoscopy, etc.)

The lungs are a paired organ located in the chest of humans and animals. They are formed by a system of tubes that transport air, and sacs - alveoli. It is in them, in the alveoli, that the main gas exchange occurs, oxygen enters the blood, and carbon dioxide enters the external environment. With the accumulation of fluid, rather than air, in the alveoli, the space required for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is severely limited.

When pulmonary edema develops in dogs, fluid can accumulate slowly (chronic), causing breathing difficulties, or rapidly (acute), causing acute respiratory failure within minutes or hours.

Why does pulmonary edema occur?

Pulmonary edema in dogs often occurs as a consequence of chronic heart disease. Other causes of edema include sepsis (a severe systemic infection of the body), anaphylaxis (an immediate allergic reaction), cancer, infectious diseases, drowning, ingestion (aspiration) of foreign objects, liquids or food. Some lung diseases can also lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lumen of the alveoli.

How does pulmonary edema manifest itself?

The severity of symptoms of pulmonary edema directly correlates with the area of affected (fluid-filled) alveoli. Key features include:

For diagnosis, in addition to a clinical examination and auscultation (listening to respiratory sounds with a phonendoscope), an x-ray examination of the chest is used. In critical situations, when there is a significant threat to life, all diagnostic measures are carried out only after the patient has stabilized.

The prognosis for pulmonary edema in dogs depends on both the severity of the disease and the cause of the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the airways.

What is the treatment for pulmonary edema?

Treatment of pulmonary edema has several goals:

Medical therapy for edema. Drugs are used to resolve edema, and also carry out the correction of concomitant metabolic disorders.

Identification and correction of the cause that caused edema - therapy for heart failure, pneumonia, oncological process, etc. At this stage, additional diagnostics will be required (ECHOCG, blood tests, bronchoscopy, etc.)

Pulmonary edema in a dog is a serious pathological condition in which there is a direct threat to its life. It is very important that the owner knows what his symptoms are, can provide first aid to his pet and take him to the veterinary clinic without delay. From how much time will pass from the beginning of the attack, it will depend on whether it can be cured, and whether the further life expectancy will be great.

A prerequisite for the life of the mammalian organism is the presence of pulmonary respiration. This is the name of a set of processes that ensure the supply of oxygen to the tissues and the removal of exhaust air containing carbon dioxide. Oxygen is necessary for the cells of the body to oxidize organic substances and release the energy necessary for life. Pulmonary respiration is based on gas exchange: on inhalation, oxygen-enriched air enters the lung structures for further use by the body, on exhalation, exhaust air, with great content carbon dioxide is removed to the environment.

The main structures of the lungs through which pulmonary respiration is carried out are called alveoli. These are peculiar vesicles that open into the lumen of the respiratory bronchioles. The alveoli are surrounded by a dense network small vessels and capillaries - the final branches of the arterial system.

With pulmonary edema, different reasons the pulmonary vessels overflow with blood, which causes the release of its liquid part - plasma outside. Fluid-filled alveoli cannot carry out normal gas exchange. Pulmonary respiration becomes insufficient and then stops completely. This process has an upward direction, so the deterioration of health the dog is coming gradually.

Causes of the disease

There are two types of pulmonary edema in dogs:

Hydrostatic edema accompanies diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Membranous edema is caused by exposure to toxins.

Hydrostatic edema can have two development mechanisms:

A large volume of blood in the vessels causes its pressure to rise significantly. Permeability vascular walls increases. As a result liquid part blood enters the interstitial (extracellular) space, and then fills the alveoli.
Low oncotic blood pressure (pressure of the protein component of blood - plasma), which occurs due to insufficient protein content, creates big difference pressure of fluids in the vessels and in the intercellular space. Physical laws demand to equalize this difference. Therefore, part of the fluid passes through the walls of the vessels, filling the interstitial spaces.

Edema of the membranous type is based on damage to the walls (membranes) of blood vessels as a result of exposure to external toxic substances or autotoxins. As a result, the fluid enters the intercellular space through the broken walls of the vessels.

Cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic edema

In dogs, the disease can be various reasons. They depend on the type of disease. There are two of them: cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is much more common in dogs. It can be attributed to the hydrostatic type. The provoking factors are:

heart failure (congenital or acquired);
hypertension;
blockage of a pulmonary artery by a thrombus.

The non-cardiogenic type of edema can be either hydrostatic or membranous.

The hydrostatic type develops if the dog has pathologies in which blood protein is reduced, namely:

cirrhosis of the liver;
kidney disease;
a diet low in protein.

Common Cause hydrostatic edema- uncontrolled use of diuretics (Furosemide).

Any pathologies and injuries accompanied by severe intoxication of the body can lead to the development of membranous edema:

bites of snakes and poisonous insects;
sepsis;
infectious diseases;
allergic and autoallergic reactions;
electric shock;
heat or sunstroke.

It can also be caused by injury and mechanical damage chest, leading to pleurisy or pneumothorax.

Symptoms of the disease

Pulmonary edema may present in dogs with symptoms of acute or lingering current, but it always starts the same way: depression and signs of lack of air. The following behaviors are characteristic:

the appearance of shortness of breath, swelling of the veins;
forced posture with widely spaced paws, outstretched neck and open mouth;
in the event that the forces leave the animal, it lies on its side;
intermittent breathing - intense breaths, hoarse exhalations;
dry cough;
pale or bluish mucous membranes of the lips and nose.

In severe cases from oral cavity a pinkish foam is released. When listening to the lungs, moist rales are clearly audible.

Prolonged lack of air leads to the fact that the dog falls into a hypoxic state due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients- hypoxic coma. it serious condition, the signs of which are judged by the oppression of consciousness, muscle cramps, paresis or paralysis, hyperthermia.

Diagnosis of the disease

The main diagnostic methods for diseases of the respiratory system are as follows:

Auscultation of the lungs and heart. The disease indicates hard breathing, the presence of wet rales.
A complete blood count allows you to see a large number of leukocyte cells in the blood, indicating the presence inflammatory process or tumors.
Radiography of the lungs in two planes. Pulmonary edema is characterized by reduced transparency lung tissue, the enhanced pulmonary pattern is clearly visible.
Pulse measurement. In diseases of the lungs - the pulse is rapid, thready.
Measurement blood pressure. Increased pressure may indicate hydrostatic edema.

Urgent care

The first step an owner can give to a dog with suspected pulmonary edema is to get the animal to the veterinarian's office as soon as possible. This must be done correctly so as not to aggravate the patient's condition. It is necessary to carry the animal in a position on its side, so that its airways are not clamped.

Accumulated foam should be removed in time so that it does not interfere with breathing. During the trip, it is recommended to ventilate the interior of the car. You need to try to calm the animal.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment of severe lung pathology should be carried out in conditions veterinary clinic. The method of therapy is chosen by the doctor and depends on the condition of the dog, and the presence of concomitant pathologies.

If the animal is in critical condition, then intensive care by placing the animal in an oxygen chamber or by administering oxygen inhalations. This will help relieve the attack.

After the condition improves, a comprehensive drug therapy. During it, the lungs are freed from excess fluid, the activity of the heart and lungs stabilizes, and the state of the nervous system improves. The following drugs are prescribed:

diuretics (Diakarb, Furosemide, Veroshpiron) - they eliminate edema, removing excess liquid from fabrics;
antihistamines and decongestants (Diphenhydramine, Suprastin, Tavegil) - relieve swelling, eliminate allergies;
hormonal agents, glucocorticoids (Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone) - used in more serious cases;
sedatives (Acepromazine) - stabilize the state of the nervous system, eliminate the consequences;
vasodilators and bronchodilators (Nitroglycerin, Broncholithin) - normalize the work of the heart and respiratory system.
drugs that stimulate cardiac activity (Cordiamin, Caffeine) - are prescribed in the presence of heart failure.

Bloodletting is a good treatment for hydrostatic edema.

After stabilization of the condition, the dog is discharged home. During the rehabilitation period, it is important to provide her with the most favorable conditions recovery. How to organize her lifestyle will tell the attending physician. It is important to fulfill the following conditions:

limit physical activity as much as possible;
carry out the recommended therapy;
carefully select a therapeutic diet;
protect the animal from stress.

Preventive measures

Prevention of pulmonary edema is good care. special attention require dogs that live with a predisposition to diseases of the cardiovascular system.

To avoid dangerous state the following activities will help:

drafting a complete diet rich in trace elements and vitamins;
providing enough rest, especially for dogs undergoing heavy physical exertion;
conducting periodic check-ups with a veterinarian.

The owner must know what are the ways of providing the first medical care with pulmonary edema, helping to save the animal's life. AT home first aid kit drugs necessary for initial resuscitation should always be present.

Pulmonary edema has a favorable prognosis in dogs if its cause can be corrected. chronic process threatens with constant relapses and requires the owner to pay close attention to his pet.