Veterinary Viewpoint: Respiratory issues in dogs and cats

We recently had success treating a cat with a long history of respiratory disease, who suffered from sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing.

We had administered antibiotics for a suspected respiratory infection. Medicine offered temporary improvement, but the symptoms returned when the treatment was finished.

Since his condition was not improving, our next step was to perform an oral exam to look for nasopharyngeal polyps. Polyps can form above the soft palate causing symptoms that are similar to an upper respiratory infection.

This exam involved the use of an otoscope which is a small device that helps us see inside the ear canal. If further internal views are needed, an X-ray or CT scan might be necessary to check whether the polyp has extended into the middle ear.

Polyps can cause an animal to have difficulty breathing and can also produce excessive airway noise. If left untreated, they can interfere to the point where the condition can become life-threatening due to airway obstruction.

During our exam, we discovered a single polyp and removed it. After minor surgery, the cat was breathing normally with no distress.

For any polyp, surgical removal is recommended.

Return of a single polyp is rare, however, multiple polyps may reoccur in the same patient.

Post-surgery, aftercare may include pain medications, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medicines.

Respiratory conditions are fairly common in dogs and may include coughing, difficulty breathing, gagging after coughing, nasal congestion, exercise intolerance, fainting, wheezing, and blue gums.

However, nasal polyps are not that common. A persistent respiratory condition that does not respond to medication may indicate their presence.

A polyp is classified as an excessive or abnormal growth. Nasal polyps are usually pink in color and grow inside a cat’s nose. This type of tumor is usually benign (non-cancerous)

A polyp is formed from pieces of excessive scar tissue that grows on the mucous membranes. Polyps are usually located inside the nasal cavity causing blockage or irritation. As the polyps continue to grow, they can obstruct the airflow and make breathing difficult.

Most any animal can develop polyps however the cause is often unknown. It is suspected that cats might develop polyps due to a reaction to infectious agents such as a respiratory virus.

When polyps develop in dogs, inflammatory polyps typically extend into the ear canal rather into forming in the back of the throat.

If the polyps form in the ear instead of the throat, dogs and cats may develop an ear infection, accompanied by head shaking, and changes in the shape of the pupils of their eyes.

Young adult cats are most often affected by polyps. At first, they may not show any clinical signs, unless they produce ear drainage. As the polyp grows, cats may exhibit symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, gagging, a voice change, and difficulty breathing.

There are also numerous other respiratory problems in dogs that do not involve polyps.

Canine Distemper is a virus which affects the respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term condition that produces inflammation in the pulmonary or respiratory system. It is irreversible and progresses slowly.

Kennel cough is highly contagious and is caused by bacteria or a virus. It is most commonly found where dogs are in close contact with each other.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation of the lungs. Causes range from allergens, lungworms, bacteria, viruses, fungal infections, aspirated food, fluids, or a foreign body.

Lung tumors are most often caused when tumors are already present in another part of the body such as in the abdominal region, bones, or skin. The most common lung tumor is pulmonary adenocarcinoma. These tumors are usually malignant and occur in older animals over the age of 11.

Dogs and cats can also get colds and flu.

If no signs of infection are present, the most common reason for a dog to experience heavy breathing is from overheating or exertion. Dogs don’t sweat, so they cool themselves by panting. During hot weather or exercise, the panting will increase.

A dog is considered to be in respiratory distress when he displays labored breathing, coughing or hacking, has a liquid discharge from his nostrils, and a high fever. His gums may also appear blue.

The most common risk factor when a dog is breathing heavily is from being overweight.

Fungal infections can also cause respiratory problems for dogs.

Any breathing disorders should always be evaluated.

Dr. Joanna Bronson of Bronson Veterinary Services, located at 452 W. Central Road, Coldwater. Contact her at (517) 369-2161 or visit www.bronsonvetservices.vetstreet.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Opinion