Pulmonary edema in dogs: prognosis and treatment

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 1 January 2021
Update Date: 13 November 2024
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In this article by PeritoAnimal we will talk about pulmonary edema in dogs: prognosis and treatment, a potentially deadly problem that compromises your puppy's health and requires veterinary intervention. We'll discuss what causes this problem, what treatment will depend on, and what symptoms you should look out for to identify this disorder. Finally, we will make reference to the care that these dogs will need.

Pulmonary edema in dogs: what is it?

Pulmonary edema is formed by accumulation of liquid in lungs. This makes the dog's breathing more or less severely difficult, and may present from mild symptoms, which only interfere with the animal's normal life, to a dangerous situation for the pet's life. We can also differentiate between an acute type of edema and one that persists over time, such as cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs, due to a heart problem. It is important to know, therefore, that this is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of another change.


What Causes Pulmonary Edema in Dogs?

Basically, we can distinguish between cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs, non-cardiogenic and neurogenic pulmonary edema, less frequent in dogs.

O cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs is the one that originates due to a heart disease. When the heart fails, blood backflows to the lungs, liver, extremities, etc. This reflux increases the tension in the veins, which causes fluid to filter into the lungs or abdominal cavity. With fluid in the lungs, the dog coughs. Thus, pulmonary edema indicates an insufficiency in the left part of the heart. On the other hand, when the lesion is on the right side, fluid accumulates in the abdomen, causing ascites and edema in the paws and also in the chest cavity, which is known as pleural effusion. If fluid builds up in the lung's bronchioles, the dog may have sputum of red, frothy fluid. In dogs with this problem, it is common to notice cardiomegaly and pulmonary edema. Cardiomegaly is an increase in the size of the heart.


On the other hand, the pulmonary edema in non-cardiogenic dogs is one that does not have heart disease. Some causes are asphyxia, septicemia (generalized infection), pancreatitis, trauma, pneumonia, intoxication, smoke inhalation, etc.

Finally, the pulmonary edema in dogs neurogenic it is that produced after episodes of seizures in which the nervous system is affected, specifically the part that acts on the involuntary functions of Organs internal organs. In this case, the blood flow to the lungs increases unnecessarily, thus causing excess fluid.

Pulmonary edema in dogs: symptoms

Among the symptoms of pulmonary edema in dogs, the following stand out:


  • Breathingagitated or tachypnea;
  • Breathing difficulty or dyspnoea. In severe cases, the dog literally drowns;
  • Weakness;
  • Nervousness;
  • Strange positions in an attempt to get air;
  • Nasal discharge that it can be hemorrhagic;
  • Occasional dry cough or, if it progresses, constant and wet;
  • In more severe cases, any movement can cause the dog's mucous membranes to turn bluish (cyanosis) from lack of air.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should quickly go to the vet to confirm or rule out the diagnosis.

Pulmonary edema in dogs: diagnosis and treatment

For diagnosis are used diagnostic tests such as auscultation, chest X-ray or ultrasound, in addition to blood tests. An electrocardiogram, urinalysis, and blood pressure measurements are also important tests to determine if a dog has pulmonary edema. In animals in more severe cases, special care must be taken, as any manipulation can aggravate the respiratory crisis.

Pulmonary edema in dogs: how to treat it?

For proper treatment, the veterinarian will determine the cause. If it's an emergency, the protocol to follow is administer oxygen to the dog, sometimes sedating and administering diuretics to help eliminate excess fluid without causing dehydration, in addition to fluid therapy. Other medications that can be used include vasodilators or hypertensives. The dog must be monitored to control the amount of urine and cardiac and kidney function, which is the next system to fail when there is a heart problem.

Pulmonary edema in dogs: how to care

Pulmonary edema in acute-type dogs is life-threatening, so intensive veterinary treatment is essential for recovery. Cardiogenic edema can cause mild symptoms in dogs with heart disease. In these cases, in which the presentation of the edema is maintained over time, you can follow the recommendations below:

  • The first thing to do is to follow the indications and medication prescribed by the veterinarian, as well as the visits scheduled by the veterinarian. You must pay attention to the doses and timing of medication administration;
  • You must avoid subjecting the dog to intense exercise;
  • THE food should be specific for dogs with heart problems;
  • There should always be water available, as if you are administering diuretics, you need to be careful that the dog does not dehydrate;
  • You should know that the dog, shortly after ingesting the diuretic, will need to evacuate a considerable amount of urine.

How long does a dog with pulmonary edema live?

The most severe cases of pulmonary edema in dogs can cause the animal's death by preventing adequate oxygenation. On the other hand, cardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs may not be fatal as well as heart disease, ie, for years, as long as with veterinary supervision and following guidelines such as those mentioned above. Thus, the life expectancy of a dog with pulmonary edema will depend on the underlying cause.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Pulmonary edema in dogs: prognosis and treatment, we recommend that you enter our Other health problems section.