Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils, usually occurs in dogs with another disorder of the lungs or airways, such as disorders of the nose, mouth, or upper throat (for example, cleft palate); chronic vomiting or regurgitation (for example, from an enlarged esophagus); or chronic coughing (for example, with bronchitis). When present by itself, it is most frequently seen in small breeds. Chronic tonsillitis may occur in brachycephalic dogs (those bred to have fla
One of the most common upper respiratory tract malfunctions is rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose) or other damage to the nasal mucous membranes. It is often associated with sinusitis, or inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. If the nasal passages deteriorate and fail to function properly, a major filtration function is removed. This exposes the lungs to much heavier loads of dust and microorganisms.
Viral infection i
When a blood clot blocks a blood vessel of the lungs, it is called a pulmonary thromboembolism. Dogs at risk for a pulmonary thromboembolism include those that are critically ill or those with certain diseases, including immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, bacterial infections, protein-losing diseases, certain heart diseases, severe pancreatitis, cancer,
Pulmonary edema, the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tissue, airways, or air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs, may occur along with circulatory disorders or in some allergic reactions or infectious diseases. Head trauma can cause pulmonary edema in dogs. Labored breathing, with an increased rate, and open-mouth breathing may occur. Animals stand or sit rather than lie down, or lie only on their breast bone. The veterinarian may be able to hear crackling noises, normal soun
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs and airways that causes breathing difficulties and deficiency of oxygen in the blood. There are many possible causes. The most common cause of pneumonia is a viral infection of the lower respiratory tract. Canine distemper virus, adenovirus types 1 and 2, canine influenza virus, and parainfluenza virus cause damage to the airways and make the animal susceptible to the development of pneumonia.
Parasitic i
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the walls of the throat (pharynx). It accompanies most upper airway viral and bacterial respiratory infections, such as distemper in dogs. Other causes include damage of the pharynx by a foreign object or cancer of the mouth or tonsils. In dogs, foreign objects stuck in the mouth and throat are quite common; typical objects include pins, needles, porcupine quills, and pieces of stick or bone fragments.
In general, a
Laryngeal paralysis, a disease of the upper airway, is common in dogs. The condition occurs when the cartilages of the larynx do not open and close normally during respiration. It is an acquired problem in middle-aged to older, large and giant breeds of dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers, Irish Setters, and Great Danes. It is seen less often as a hereditary, congenital (present at birth) disease in Bouvier des Flandres, Leonbergers, Siberian Huskies, Bulldogs, and rac
Lungworm infections in dogs are usually caused by the tracheal worm Oslerus osleri. They have been found in the United States, South Africa, New Zealand, India, Great Britain, France, and Australia. Adult lungworms live in nodules in the trachea of dogs, and larvated eggs laid by adults hatch there. Pups become infected from the feces or saliva of an infected dog (for example, when an infected mother licks her pups). Infection is infr
The adult flukes Paragonimus kellicotti and Paragonimus westermani usually live in cysts or bulla, primarily in the lungs of dogs. They also have been found rarely in other organs or the brain. Infection is most common in China, Southeast Asia, and North America. The eggs from the adult flukes pass through the cyst wall, are coughed up, swallowed, and passed in the feces. The life cycle includes severa
The larynx is the part of the throat often called the “voice box” in humans. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx. It may result from upper respiratory tract infection or by direct irritation from inhalation of dust, smoke or irritating gas, or foreign objects. It can also be caused by the trauma of a breathing tube placed during surgery or excessive vocalization (barking). Laryngitis may accompany infectious tracheobronchitis and distemper in dogs.