Respiratory issues are common in dogs, sometimes it affects the upper airway such as the nose, the nasal cavity, and the throat. Sometimes it affects the lower airway such as the trachea and the lungs. There can be diseases that affect both the upper and lower airways. Not all respiratory problems arise from the airways, as the airways can be the organs affected by other illness(es), this can be by heart disease, cancer, inflammation, etc. We will focus on basic illnesses affecting the airways today
Here are some common respiratory problems:
Kennel Cough: also known as Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) is caused by multiple viral and bacterial pathogens transmitted by the oronasal route via aerosols, by direct contact, or through contaminated fomites. The disease usually leads to loud honking coughs, sometimes with sneezing, and oculonasal discharge. Some dogs might develop fever, anorexia, and lethargy.
Diagnosis is often made by clinical findings and history. Thoracic radiographs often are unremarkable unless complicated by secondary bacterial infection. Nasal or oropharyngeal swabs might be obtained and PCR assays can be performed for viral detection. Some of the pathogens causing kennel cough are included in our routine annual or triannual vaccines. If there is an increased risk e.g. an outbreak within the neighborhood or anticipated to be in a high-density environment like boarding, an additional kennel cough vaccine might be warranted. Note despite vaccination, protection against kennel cough is not 100% and an annual booster is required to maximize prevention if required. If your dog is suspected to be infected with kennel cough,
Tracheal Collapse: weakening of trachea leading to collapse of the tube-like structure, triggering coughs that are usually dry and non-productive. Tracheal collapse can be multifactorial, some breeds are more predisposed (such as Yorkshire terriers, Miniature poodles) while others can be exacerbated by conditions like obesity, excessive barking/excitement, inhaling allergens, smoke, or pollutants. Tracheal collapse can be a chronic issue, some dogs can experience sudden respiratory distress leading to shortness of breath, syncope, or even sudden death. Emergency veterinary attention might be required. Survey radiographs can sometimes help to identify tracheal collapse. But just like blinking your eyes during a flash photo, the process is dynamic and might not always be able to capture in a photo. Bronchoscopy under general anesthesia is the gold standard in diagnosing a collapsing trachea.
Rhinitis: is inflammation of the nasal cavity with nasal secretion. Over time, the inflammatory response destroys the nasal turbinate, erosions of the nasal vasculature causing nose bleed. A secondary bacterial infection then occurs. The nasal discharge can be serous, mucoid, or purulent. Sometimes discomfort is seen, swelling on the face might lead to bulging of the eye, ocular discharge, and prolapse of the third eyelid. Rhinitis has many causes but commonly can be seen due to foreign body dislodgment, viral infection, allergic disease, fungal infection, dental disease, inflammatory polyps, and neoplasia. Some rhinitis has no cause (idiopathic). Investigation of rhinitis often involves advanced imaging like CT to examine in detail the area(s) involved. Rhinoscopy is then performed to visually assess the nasal cavity, to obtain samples for histopathology and culture. A dental examination might be required to exclude dental disease leading to rhinitis.
Please talk to your vet if you notice any of the above health issues of dogs. A quick exam by your vet is often the best way to check the root cause of the problem and appropriate treatment can be formulated as soon as possible.
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