Pulmonary Fibrosis In Dogs
Pulmonary fibrosis in dogs is a dangerous lung condition in which the lungs become scarred, rigid and thickened, causing respiratory issues and reduced levels of oxygen in the blood.
It is an infectious condition that develops when the lungs are repeatedly weakened and healed, as may happen when dogs suffer from pneumonia, bronchitis, heart failure, or exposure to toxins, among other things.
Symptoms Of Pulmonary Fibrosis In Dogs
Signs of pulmonary fibrosis in dogs can be confused with other respiratory disorders. In addition, dogs infected by this clinical condition may have the following visible symptoms:
- Persisting chronic coughing
- Abnormally heavy breathing
- Discoloration of mucosal membranes
- Intolerance for the workout
- Fainting
These signs are also indicative of heart attacks, but further examinations must be carried out in order to have a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment Of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Dogs
Pulmonary fibrosis is also a debilitating and progressing disease that involves trouble breathing. Pulmonary fibrosis treatment is frustrating since the root cause of lung inflammation or scar tissue is not known or controlled. Therapy does not reverse fibrosis, but it can prevent further infection or lung damage. PF therapies can include:
- The Bronchodilator Trial Course
- Immunosuppressive dosage of prednisone
Prognosis Of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Dogs
Prognosis is observed; often dogs die or are euthanized due to progressive lung dysfunction and related respiratory distress within 12-18 months. The prognosis is severe for dogs who are oxygen-dependent at first diagnosis, although the less affected dogs may have a markedly extended survival.
