RESPIRATORY DISTRESS

How to spot it?

Respiratory distress, also known as dyspnea, can come on rapidly with little to no warning or progress gradually over time. It is incredibly distressing for both the pet and owner and can quickly become life-threatening. Therefore, any animal in suspected respiratory distress should be seen as an emergency for immediate assessment and treatment.

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If you notice any of the following signs, your pet is likely in respiratory distress and needs immediate emergency care:

• Rapid breathing or continuous panting

• Exaggerated movement of the chest or abdomen while breathing

• Blue or purple gums

• Collapse

• Standing with the elbows pointed out and neck extended.

• In cats - open-mouth breathing or panting

 

What can cause it?

Respiratory distress can stem from the respiratory tract, the heart, or other issues affecting the rest of the body. The most common causes that we see at our emergency clinic are:

• Congestive heart failure: When the heart is not pumping correctly, fluid builds up in the lungs. This can be a gradual progression of known heart disease or happen suddenly without warning.

• Pneumonia: A lung infection frequently caused by contagious diseases or aspirating (inhaling) food or liquid, frequently after vomiting.

• Asthma: The airways become inflamed and can spasm, narrowing the passages and making it more difficult to breathe

• Pyothorax: An infection in the chest cavity (between the body wall and lungs), causing a build-up of fluid and compressing the lungs

• Laryngeal paralysis: The muscles in the throat do not function correctly, obstructing the airway

• Anaemia: A low number of red blood cells.  As red blood cells carry oxygen, with severe anaemia the body becomes starved of oxygen; this can happen through internal bleeding or other disease processes.

• BOAS: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. A respiratory condition affecting flat- faced breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs

 

What happens when you arrive at our clinic?

1. Triage: All patients are triaged on arrival, and any animal in respiratory distress is prioritized, and rushed through to be cared for by our team.

2. Oxygen support: Stress can put too much strain on an animal already struggling to breathe, so going straight into an oxygen rich environment is essential

3. Calming medication: Often given urgently to try and ease their panic and help settle their breathing

4. Intravenous access: Placed as soon as it is safe to do so.

5. Initial diagnostics: These can be done urgently, such as imaging of the chest to try and identify the underlying cause.

 

We know this can be a very overwhelming experience for owners, but you may be asked to wait in reception while we act quickly to stabilise your pet. As stressful as it is for you, we see these cases frequently and your pet is in the safest possible hands. While your pet comes first, we will communicate with you every step of the way, so a plan can be made together about the next steps.

 

What can you do at home?

There are some general signs to look out for that could warrant scheduling an appointment with your GP, provided your pet is not in an immediate crisis. Catching things early can often help prevent them from progressing into a respiratory emergency:

• Coughing

• Noisy breathing

• Noticeable change to their meow or bark

• Lethargy/exercise intolerance.

 

Otherwise, in the time of a crisis:

• Know your closest emergency vet. Save our number and address before you need it, knowing exactly where help is can save precious minutes

• Keep them as calm and settled as possible for the car journey and avoid holding them too tightly as this can compress their chest.

• Travel safely but quickly to the clinic.