What is Respiratory Medicine in Dogs and Cats?
Respiratory medicine deals with problems affecting the nose, throat and lungs. When pets develop chronic coughing, noisy breathing, nasal discharge, or trouble catching their breath, I investigate the source and create therapies to help them breathe easier. Respiratory conditions can range from mild and temporary to severe and chronic.
Common causes of Respiratory Diseases in Dogs & Cats:
- Nasal – inflammation, infection, polyps and tumors.
- Tracheal collapse – common in middle aged to older small breed dogs. Causes a classic “goose honking” cough.
- Chronic Bronchitis and feline asthma – inflammation of the lungs.
- Pneumonia – Infection or inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus or aspiration of food/foreign material.
- Pulmonary Edema – Fluid accumulation in the lungs.
- Lung cancer
Signs of Respiratory Disease
Ready to Get Answers?
If your pet is suffering from the signs of respiratory disease listed above , I’m here to help.
Contact my office today at 954-498-9656
to schedule a consultation.
As a Board Certified Veterinary Internist in Fort Lauderdale here is how I can help.
I use a combination of history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests (bloodwork, imaging, cytology and culture) to pinpoint the cause of respiratory problems. Once a cause is determined I create therapies to help them breathe easier.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include oral medication, or in some cases, inhalers. Weight control and environmental management is also helpful to manage some respiratory diseases. As your specialist I will tailor a plan that supports your pet’s long-term health and quality of life.
Respiratory Medicine FAQ’s
What are the signs of respiratory disease in pets?
Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, labored breathing, or noisy breathing can be seen.
How is coughing evaluated in dogs?
History, lab tests, X-rays, and airway scoping can help determine the underlying cause.
What causes nasal problems in cats and dogs?
Infections, inflammation, tumors, dental disease, or foreign objects.
What is feline asthma and how is it managed?
Feline asthma is akin to asthma is people. It is managed with anti-inflammatories and in some cases bronchodilators.
How is bronchitis different from pneumonia?
Bronchitis involves airway inflammation; pneumonia involves lung infection.
Can pets develop lung cancer?
Yes, pets can develop lung tumors, diagnosed via X-rays and sometimes sampling.
What is a tracheal collapse and how is it treated?
When the windpipe collapses and causes coughing. This is most commonly seen in small breed dogs.
What diagnostic tests are used for lung disease?
Chest x-rays, CT scans, scopes, and bronchoalveolar lavage are used.
How do you manage chronic respiratory conditions?
With medications and sometimes lifestyle adjustments.
What is pulmonary fibrosis in dogs?
A progressive lung disease causing scarring, coughing and breathing difficulty.
Can respiratory infections be passed between pets?
Yes, viruses and bacteria can spread among pets in close contact.
What is laryngeal paralysis?
A condition where vocal cords don’t open and close properly, causing noisy breathing.
What is the difference between upper and lower respiratory disease?
Upper involves nose and trachea; lower includes lungs and bronchi.
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms or you want to understand more, please
call Dr. Pollack’s office at 954-498-9656 to schedule a consultation.
To learn more about veterinary specialty medicine visit the ACVIM website.
Click on the form to download a pdf. Complete the form and email it to us at obviminfo@gmail.com
I’m Dr. Stefeny Pollack, here to help you care for your pet!
If you want to learn more about your pet’s persistant health issues described on my website,
call 954-498-9656 to schedule a consultation.
Please use the contact form for general inquiries.
PHONE
954-498-9656
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ADDRESS
2801 E Commercial Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308