When our dogs display symptoms of illness, we are quick to worry. It’s scary when our pets are sick as they cannot communicate their symptoms to us. You as a pet owner should ensure take note of any rapid changes in your pet’s behaviour so that we can do what we can to help them.
What is a Noncardiogenic Edema
A noncardiogenic edema is a medical condition where blood vessels of the dog’s lungs become permeable. This means that fluid can pass through the blood vessels and walls and easily leak. This fluid then leaks into the lungs and causes swelling, and this can cause your dog to have an inflammatory reaction.
What Causes a Noncardiogenic Edema
The causes of a noncardiogenic edema vary. The condition can result from an airway obstruction, trauma to your dog’s head, and injuries from biting on an electric cord.
There are various incidents as well as situations that can cause a noncardiogenic edema.
The most common causes are:
- Obstructions of the upper airway
- Choke chain injuries
- Paralysis of the larynx
- A mass in the lung
- Abscess of the lung
- Acute neurologic diseases
- Head trauma
- Prolonged Seizures
- Aspiration Pneumonia
- Bacterial infections
- Inhaling smoke
- Injury from biting through an active electrical cord
- Systemic inflammatory response syndrome
- Bacterial infection in the blood
- Inflamed pancreas
Is a Noncardiogenic Edema Fatal
A noncardiogenic edema can be fatal if not treated immediately. If you see any unusual symptoms or swelling in your dog, it’s best to consult a vet immediately.
The Symptoms of a Noncardiogenic Edema
If your dog has a noncardiogenic edema, it will present itself in an array of symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Gums turning blue
- Increased heart rate
- Spitting up of pink and frothy saliva
- Issues Breathing
- Faster breathing than usual
- Standing in unusual positions to improve breathing
If your dog is showing any symptoms similar to these, consult your vet immediately.
How Will the Vet Diagnose a Noncardiogenic Edema in my Dog
When speaking to the vet, you’ll need to provide him with:
- A thorough medical history
- The list of symptoms
- Possible incidents that could have caused this condition
When you provide your vet with history, you’re providing them with clues as well. These clues could help them discover which organs could be causing secondary symptoms.
Your veterinarian will provide a full physical exam on your dog. A chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, a urinalysis as well an electrolyte panel will be done as well. Your vet will also perform an arterial blood gas measurement, pulse oximetry as well as coagulation testing. For the vet to make a definite diagnosis, the vet will have to take radiograph images of the chest cavity. They might perform an echocardiogram in order to rule out or confirm pulmonary lung edema caused by heart disease.
What are Possible Treatments
If your dog is experiencing severe respiratory dysfunction, your dog will have to be hospitalised. If your dog has a moderate to severe disease they’ll be given oxygen therapy as well as cage rest in a peaceful environment in order to reduce stress. This is because anything that can bring on anxiety could cause the production of stress hormones. It is likely possible for your dog to be placed on a mechanical respirator if they are unable to breathe on their own.
Management of Noncardiogenic Edema
If your dog has noncardiogenic edema, it is possible that they will worsen before they improve. If your dog is severely ill, they have a poor prognosis. However, if your dog is only mild to moderately ill, they stand a good chance of a full recovery. Their long term prognosis is also excellent for dogs that have recovered. Preventing noncardiogenic edema can be done by stopping your dog from chewing on electrical wires and taking your dog to the vet at the first sign of seizures or injury.
The End
Noncardiogenic edema can be treated if spotted early. This condition is often a result of injury and can oftentimes be prevented. Begin by throwing out the choke chain and covering all electrical wires. If your dog has mild to moderate symptoms, they are often expected to make a full recovery. This condition can be fatal, so don’t waste time when it comes to getting your dog to a vet when needed.
