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. Dogs 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, bronchitis, and cancer.
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. Dogs unable to clear the debris trapped in the trachea (e.g.: collapsing 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.
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October Special!
Victoria Park Animal Hospital now offers non-anesthetic dentals Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. For the month of October, enjoy a courtesy oral exam (valued at $70) for your pet with their non-anesthetic dental!
Included in a non-anesthetic dental:
- The mouth may be wiped down or rinsed with a non-anesthetic to decrease bacteria.
- Plaque and tarter will be removed from the visible parts of the teeth with a hand scaler.
- The provider may try to clean under the gums and use a dental probe to measure pockets, if possible.
- Fluoride treatment will also be provided.