Emphysema is an important disease in humans; however, in other animals it typically occurs as a result of another lung disease. The condition leads to difficulty in expelling air from the lungs, making breathing more difficult. Two major forms of emphysema are generally recognized. Alveolar emphysema is abnormal permanent enlargement and destruction of the alveoli, which are small air sacs deep in the lungs. Interstiti
The diaphragm is a layer of muscle that extends across the base of the chest. Contraction of the diaphragm causes the lungs to expand and fill with air. A diaphragmatic hernia is a condition in which a break in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs to move into the chest. In dogs, being hit by a car is a common cause of diaphragmatic hernia, although defects of the diaphragm that are present at birth (congenital) may also be a cause.
The signs of
The canine nasal mite, also known by the scientific names Pneumonyssoides caninum or Pneumonyssus caninum, has been reported worldwide. All breeds, ages, and sexes of dogs appear to be affected, although one report suggested that dogs older than 3 years of age were affected more often and that large breed dogs had a higher incidence than small breed dogs. The mites live in the nasal passages and sinuse
Canine influenza (flu) is caused by the canine influenza virus. Similar to the influenza virus of people, different versions (called strains) of the virus are found. Two strains of the virus have been identified in dogs: H3N8 and H3N2. The virus causes a respiratory infection in affected dogs. Because it is highly contagious, outbreaks are most common when dogs are in close contact with each other, for example at kennels, shelters, and dog parks. The virus is
The respiratory system can be a host to many different tumors. The following are the more common tumors found in the lungs and airways of dogs.
Tumors of the Nose and Sinuses
Tumors of the nose and sinuses account for about 1 to 2% of all canine tumors. The incidence is slightly higher in males and in older dogs. The average age at time of diagnosis is 9.5–10 years of age. In dog
Allergic pneumonitis is an acute or chronic allergic reaction of the lungs and small airways. The lungs “overreact” to the presence of a parasite or other irritant, causing inflammation and a longterm cough. There is often a higher than normal number of white cells called eosinophils in the blood. The underlying cause is rarely determined in these reactions in dogs.
Eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy, previously known as PI
Hemothorax, the accumulation of blood in the pleural (chest) cavity, is usually caused by trauma to the chest, blood clotting disorders, or tumors in the chest. Hydrothorax, the accumulation of clear fluid in the pleural cavity, is usually due to interference with blood flow or lymph drainage. Chylothorax, the accumulation of a high-triglyceride lymphatic fluid in the pleural cavity, is relative
The respiratory system consists of the large and small airways and the lungs. When a dog breathes air in through its nose or mouth, the air travels down the trachea, which divides into the tubes known as the right and left bronchi, then into the smaller airways called bronchioles in the lungs. The bronchioles end in the small sacs called alveoli, where the barrier between the air and the blood is a thin membrane.