Rhinitis

Inflammation involving the nasal passages of dogs and cats is termed rhinitis. The hallmark clinical signs seen with a case of rhinitis include sneezing and nasal discharge. Causes of rhinitis include bacterial infections, nasal tumors, trauma, and foreign bodies. In addition, the fungal organism Aspergillus fumigatus can invade the bones and tissues constituting the nasal passages in dogs and cats, resulting in rhinitis. The fungal organism Cryptococcus neoformans infects cats in the same way. The nasal discharges associated with fungal disease, which are usually green and thick in nature, might persist for months at a time. In addition, ulceration involving the outer surface of the nose is sometimes seen. Aspergillosis can occur primarily on its own or secondarily to other conditions that might compromise the immune system.

Tracheobronchitis (Dogs)

Inflammation occurring within the trachea and bronchi of the respiratory tree is properly termed tracheobronchitis. In dogs, the leading cause of tracheobronchitis is canine cough. Other causes can include allergies, foreign bodies, and chemical or gaseous irritants.

Incessant coughing is the hallmark sign of tracheobronchitis. A dry, hacking cough is seen in cases of canine cough, whereas in other cases, such as chemical irritation, the cough might be moist and productive.

Treatment of tracheobronchitis depends on the underlying cause.

Feline Asthma

Cats can suffer from asthma attacks very similar to those seen in people. They are usually triggered by an allergic reaction to pollens and other allergens that are breathed into the lungs. The reaction caused by the immune system’s response can be minor, or it can be quite severe, causing bronchitis and pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs).

This, in turn, can lead to severe breathing difficulties, coughing, and gagging in affected felines. Any cat can suffer from feline asthma, regardless of age. Along with a good history of occurrence and clinical signs seen, diagnosis of feline asthma is aided by radiographic X rays of the lungs. Longstanding, recurring cases can actually exhibit scarring or fibrosis of the lung tissue.

Treatment of feline asthma involves identifying the source of the allergic reaction and using corticosteroids and other drugs to reduce the allergic response. When looking for the source, some experts recommend starting with the cat litter, especially dusty ones. Often, though, the source of the problem cannot be pinpointed, and symptomatic therapy will be needed each time a flare-up occurs.

Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion is not really a disease entity in itself; rather, it is a sign of disease. It occurs more frequently in cats than it does in dogs. The pleural space is an air-filled space located in the thoracic cavity between the inner thoracic wall and the thoracic organs themselves.

Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid—such as blood, pus, or serum—within this pleural space. This effectively interferes with the normal functioning of the heart and lungs.

Some of the potential causes of pleural effusions include infectious diseases (bacterial and fungal infections, FIP, feline leukemia), foreign bodies within the chest, rupture of lymphatic vessels, heart disease, or cancer. Pets afflicted with a pleural effusion must fight for every breath, often exhibiting open-mouthed breathing with their necks extended forward. In severe instances, they can collapse from lack of oxygen.

Emergency treatment is a must.If pleural effusion is present, treatment will involve drainage of the fluid from the chest. This usually entails placement of a temporary drain tube within the chest to facilitate continued drainage as it is required until the exact cause of the problem can be discerned. The nature of the fluid removed from the pleural space will usually afford the veterinarian enough information to pinpoint the exact cause of the effusion. Treatment is then directed accordingly.

Date: 2014-12-21; view: 1076