Print

Treatment

Medication is necessary in cases of bacterial pneumonia; the proper antimicrobial can be selected based on results of bacterial cultures taken from a tracheal wash, for example. Additional treatment depends on the severity of signs. If multiple symptoms occur, such as anorexia, high fever, and weight loss, your dog will be actively treated in hospital to start.

If respiratory distress is apparent, oxygen therapy may be necessary. To avoid dehydration, your veterinarian may recommend administering electrolytes by intravenous (IV) fluid therapy.

Restrict your dog's activities throughout treatment, except as part of physiotherapy, or to help improve clearing of the lungs and airways. Be attentive to your pet's needs. Although you will need to allow for plenty of recuperative rest, you will also need to prevent your dog from lying in one position for long periods of time to avoid the risk of fluid accumulation in one spot. Encourage your dog to change positions semi-frequently.

Living and Management

After the initial treatment, your dog should be fed a diet high in protein and energy density. Your veterinarian will monitor your dog's progress with blood tests, and if needed, X-rays of the chest and lung cavity. Any prescribed antimicrobial medications should be administered regularly, as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Prevention

One way in which bacterial pneumonia can be prevented is by ensuring that pets receive regular vaccinations for prevention of infections.

Additional vaccinations may be necessary in special situations; for example, dogs housed in kennels, and thereby exposed to a large number of animals, should be vaccinated against the B. bronchiseptica virus.