COPD is a lung disorder that primarily affects older dogs.
Lung disorders can affect dogs as well as humans. The most common causes of canine lung disorders are infection, injury and chronic conditions such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Dogs that suffer from lung disorders may have difficulty breathing and develop a chronic cough that is often triggered by exercise or excitement.
Identification
The main function of the lungs is to deliver oxygen into the body upon inhalation and release carbon dioxide from the body upon exhalation. Lung disorders adversely affect the dog's respiratory system, making it difficult for the lungs to perform as they should.
Types
Infections may cause lung disorders in dogs. Pneumonia is caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections and may cause coughing and difficulty breathing. According to gopetsamerica.com, pneumonia is uncommon in healthy dogs and usually occurs in young puppies or older dogs.
Chronic conditions, such as COPD or bronchitis, are characterized by a cough that lingers for more than eight weeks. COPD most often affects middle-aged to older dogs and occur in some breeds, such as the West Highland white terrier, more often than in other breeds. Bronchitis and COPD may cause coughing and difficulty breathing that worsens at night.
Contagious conditions, such as influenza, can spread between dogs and humans. Canine influenza is not seasonal and may occur in any breed of dog at any age. This condition causes sudden symptoms including coughing, fever, increased respiratory rate and wheezing.
Effects
The effects of canine lung disorders may include wheezing, chronic cough and difficulty breathing. Dogs that suffer from poor respiratory function may find it difficult to run outside, as symptoms may escalate with exercise. Certain infections may cause lung tissue to deteriorate because this tissue cannot regenerate. Scar tissue may form, leaving dogs that suffer from lung disorders with permanent respiratory dysfunction.
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose a lung disorder, a veterinarian performs a full physical evaluation of the dog and takes a complete medical history from the dog's owner. The veterinarian listens to the lungs with a stethoscope to determine if the dog is wheezing. Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and chest X-rays, help make a diagnosis. A bronchoscopy or a bronchial wash may be done to remove any infected debris in the airway.
Treatment
Canine lung disorder treatment depends largely on the cause of the condition. Dogs that suffer from bronchitis or COPD may benefit from the use of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the airways. Bronchodilators and cough syrup may also be used to restore free breathing and reduce the cough reflex. Dogs that suffer from bacterial infections may require an antibiotic to eliminate infection.
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