A respiratory infection can be a serious issue for both a dog and its owner if not properly identified and treated. Understanding the causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment process is important for both the veterinarian and dog owner.
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Causes
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Dogs can easily pick up fungal spores in the grass, causing fungal respiratory infections, such as coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis. Respiratory infections can be caused by foreign objects or allergies, viruses, fungi or bacteria. The infections can affect any portion of the respiratory system, including the lungs, esophagus and muzzle.
Types
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Some of the many different types of respiratory infections include canine influenza (dog flu), kennel cough, pneumonia, coccidioidomycosis (fungal), histoplasmosis (fungal) and even the common cold.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of a respiratory infection can vary due to location but can include a runny nose, fever, sneezing, coughing, snorting, gagging, loss of appetite, weight loss and labored breathing.
Diagnosis
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Clinical signs are often not enough to fully diagnose any specific respiratory infection. Tests may be performed and can include a physical examination, blood tests, x-rays and bacterial cultures.
Treatment
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Treatment will vary based on the type of infection that has occurred and can include supportive therapy, antibiotics, antifungal medications, cough suppressants and treatment for any underlying causes or conditions as well as secondary infections that may have occurred.
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