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Respiratory System
Respiratory
The respiratory system functions to carry vital oxygen into the body and expel carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste, out of the body. Functionally, the respiratory system is divided into two portions: the upper and lower airways. The upper airway begins as air enters the nasal passages and mouth and flows through the trachea (windpipe). The upper respiratory tract warms, filters, and moisturizes inhaled air. As air continues down the trachea, it enters the lung lobes: the lower respiratory tract. Within the lungs, inhalation brings vital oxygen to the blood; exhalation removes carbon dioxide from the body.
Physical signs associated with respiratory disease include: sneezing, nasal discharge, changes in the sound of the voice, coughing, noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, changes in breathing patterns, and labored breathing. Disorders of the respiratory system may involve the upper and/or lower airways. Physical examination findings aid in the localization of the disease process.
Common abnormal conditions associated with the canine respiratory system include:
- Infectious: viral (e.g.: Adenovirus), bacteria (e.g.: Mycoplasma), fungi (e.g.: Blastomycosis), protozoan (e.g.: Toxoplasmosis), and parasites (e.g.: Heartworm infection)
- Air flow interference: collapsing trachea, laryngeal paralysis, foreign bodies, tumors
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Cancer
Lungs
Lungs
Inhaled air travels from the upper airways (nasal passage and trachea) to the lower airways of the lungs. Deep in the lung tissues, inhaled oxygen enters the blood stream to be exchanged with carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste that is exhaled out of the body. Cats with lung disease may cough, have labored breathing, and experience exercise intolerance. Radiography (x-rays) allows your veterinarian to visualize the lungs and diagnose problems such as pneumonia, heartworm infection, asthma, and cancer.
Feline Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is transmitted to cats when mosquitoes, infected with the parasite named Dirofilaria immitis, take a blood meal from your pet. Because cats are not the natural host for heartworm infection, the symptoms related to infection are different than in the dog. Heartworm infection in cats can be a silent killer causing a range of vague symptoms that seem to have no correlation to the infection itself. Cats with heartworm disease may develop a cough (similar to a cat with asthma) and have intermittent lethargy and vomiting; they may die suddenly. Diagnosis of heartworm infection in cats can be challenging due to the small number of worms that mature in the cat. Although the worm burden tends to be small, the inflammation created by the infection can be tremendous. Specialized blood tests and heart ultrasounds aid in the diagnosis. There is no safe treatment to eliminate heartworm infection in cats. Infected cats receive symptomatic therapy to control the inflammation incited by the worms. Severely infected cats may require surgical removal of the heartworms. The best treatment for heartworm disease in cats is prevention. All cats, not just outdoor cats, should receive year-round monthly heartworm prophylaxis to prevent life threatening heartworm infection.
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema describes the build-up of fluid within the small airways of the lungs. Patients with pulmonary edema have difficulty breathing; they may breathe rapidly, cough, and have exercise intolerance. Causes of pulmonary edema are divided into two broad categories:
- Cardiogenic: Congestive heart failure
- Non-cardiogenic: Trauma to the lungs (e.g.: hit by car, smoke inhalation), aspiration of stomach contents/other fluids, severe infection and/or inflammation (e.g.: seizures, electrical cord injury), airway obstruction, and lung lobe torsion.
Diagnosis of pulmonary edema is based on physical examination findings and chest x-rays. Patients with pulmonary edema improve with oxygen therapy and medications to encourage the fluid removal from the lungs. In conjunction with therapy for the pulmonary edema, the pet should be evaluated and treated for an underlying cause (e.g.: specific therapy for heart disease).
Trachea
Trachea
The trachea (or windpipe) forms the upper portion of the respiratory tract; the lungs form the lower portion. The trachea provides a conduit for airflow into the lungs. Blockage of this pathway (e.g.: from a foreign object) disrupts airflow and requires emergency attention. Within the tracheal tube, there are microscopic hairs within a layer of mucus that trap inhaled particles before they can enter the lungs and cause damage. Particulate matter trapped in the mucus is moved by these hairs back up to the mouth to be swallowed. This clearing mechanism is important in disease prevention. Cats unable to clear the debris trapped in the trachea risk developing infections within the lungs.
Collapsing Trachea
The trachea is a flexible tube that connects the upper airways (mouth and nose) to the lower airways (lungs).The trachea is composed of incomplete cartilage rings throughout its length. A thin membrane connects the rings to complete the circle. Commonly in small breeds, this membrane may be exuberant and hang into the lumen of the trachea and impede air flow. Other patients with collapsing trachea have a trachea that is too long and folds upon itself. The impaired airflow caused by both of these situations causes inflammation manifested by a loud, honking cough. Diagnosis of collapsing trachea is based on history (cough often occurs after exercise or periods of excitement), physical examination and demonstration of tracheal collapse on radiographs. Specialized x-ray equipment may be necessary for definitive diagnosis. Patients may have different degrees of severity of tracheal collapse. All patients with collapsing trachea must maintain an ideal body weight to minimize the pressure on the weakened trachea. Persistent collapse of the trachea predisposes patients to infections; treatment with antibiotics and cough suppressants may be necessary. Severely affected patients may require surgery for stent placement inside the trachea to prevent its collapse.
VPAH Now offers Telemedicine for your furry friends!
Convenient care at home, explore our telemedicine services designed to provide quick consultations for your furry friends without the stress of a clinic visit.
What We Offer:
- Virtual consultations for minor health issues, follow-ups, and behavioral consultations
- Advice on medication management, dietary needs, and wellness checks
Prepare:
- Have your pet's medical history ready for discussion
How to Book a Virtual Appointment:
- Click here to make a request
- Call the hospital at (954)617-8724