COPD Disease in Dogs
When dogs suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, their bronchial tubes experience long-standing inflammation that generally results in coughing that persists for two or more months. This condition does not have a cure. Chronic bronchitis is another common name for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
COPD Basics
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in dogs involves the respiratory and pulmonary systems. The disease is characterized by mucous membrane inflammation in the bronchi, the airways responsible for delivering oxygen from the trachea to the lungs. This results in the chronic coughing that affected dogs present.
Unknown Causes
The exact causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are typically hard for veterinarians to pinpoint. This is because there aren’t any conclusive causal factors for the condition. While the triggers of the disease are unknown, some breeds of dogs are particularly vulnerable to it. These include small and toy breeds, specifically cocker spaniels and West Highland white terriers. Cases of the disease occasionally appear in bigger canine breeds as well. COPD is particularly problematic for obese dogs.
Common Symptoms
At the onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in dogs, the primary indication is excessive dry coughing. The coughing often has a grating quality to it. Dogs in the beginning phase of this disease often produce hacking and gagging noises once they’re done coughing. With time, affected dogs frequently start to experience problems breathing properly. They often get exhausted quickly and can’t handle exercising for long.
They sometimes even faint after participating in rigorous physical activity. Wheezing during exhalation and loud breathing are also common symptoms dogs experience as this disease intensifies. Typical later symptoms include slightly blue gums, a result of insufficient oxygen. When dogs have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, they generally don’t develop fevers. Their appetites also typically stay the same.
Veterinary Evaluation
If you notice any potential symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in your pet, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian immediately. Vets generally assess dogs for this condition through in-depth physical exams, complete blood counts, urinalysis and biochemistry profiles.
Their findings from these tests, however, generally can’t be associated with specific causes or conditions. Vets sometimes analyze the intensity of this condition by performing chest X-rays. Chronic coughing in and of itself is frequently an indication of other medical conditions such as lung infections, various forms of cancer and heart disease.
Managing COPD in Dogs
Veterinarians frequently manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in dogs by minimizing respiratory discomfort. They often accomplish this through intravenous medicine or oxygen therapy, and sometimes even both. They occasionally prescribe bronchodilators for dogs. These substances can be beneficial for handling secretions and airway expansion. Other common management options include corticosteroids, antibiotics and cough suppressants.
Since obesity tends to enhance the uncomfortable effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in canines, your vet might suggest exercise and diet changes for a dog with significant excess weight. COPD is permanent and lacks a cure. The goal of treatment of COPD is to better dogs’ lifestyles and make the condition move more slowly.
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