Print
Treatment
The sheer force produced by exhalation and coughing can clear airway secretions, so routine exercise may enhance mucus clearance by increasing respiration and inducing coughing. Supplemental oxygen therapy may be needed during acute episodes of life-threatening bronchopneumonia. Antibiotics will be prescribed for respiratory infections on the basis of bacterial culture and sensitivity testing. It may be continued indefinitely, although it may possibly become ineffective because of a buildup of bacterial resistance. Anesthesia is risky with these patients because the ability to breath is impaired.
Living and Management
High ambient temperature may produce hyperthermia and potential heat stroke because of reduced capacity for evaporative heat loss through the lungs. Cysts in the chest may develop from prolonged air entrapment in the pleural cavity, which can then rupture and produce a pneumonic condition in the lungs. Other aftereffects are also possible. For these reasons, you will need to carefully observe and monitor your pet, and schedule frequent checkups with your veterinarian.
mucus
A type of slime that is made up of certain salts, cells, or leukocytes
lesion
A change in the way that tissue is constructed; a sore
inheritance
Transmitting genes from parent to child
progeny
Offspring or children
pus
A product made of fluid, cell waste, and cells
sperm
The sex cell of male animals; created in the testicles
sire
The male parent of an offspring
hyperthermia
High body temperature
purebred
Term used to refer to an animal that is one of the recognized, pure breeds
exhalation
Expiration; breathing out
biopsy
The process of removing tissue to examine it, usually for medical reasons.
auditory
Anything pertaining to what can be heard; hearing.
asymptomatic
Term used to refer to a condition of having a disease or affliction but not displaying symptoms of it.
bronchopneumonia
A condition of the lungs and bronchi in which they become inflamed and congested.
dam
Any female animal that has given birth.
electrocardiogram
A record of the activity of the myocardium
ducts
A passage in the body with walls
acute
Term used to imply that a situation or condition is more severe than usual; also used to refer to a disease having run a short course or come on suddenly.