Pulmonary edema in cats: timely diagnosis and treatment. Pulmonary edema in a cat after castration: causes, symptoms, treatment

Pulmonary edema is a serious condition that occurs as a result of capillaries and veins overflowing with blood. As a result, the blood plasma enters the bronchi, bronchioles and connective tissue lung Blood stagnation, in turn, leads to swelling of the lung mucosa and bronchi. The disease is classified as a pre-mortem condition.

The onset of edema, as a rule, develops quickly and sharply, as a result of which they begin to suffer vitally. important organs animal: heart, kidneys, lungs and brain. Therefore, at the first signs of pulmonary edema in a cat, treatment must begin as early as possible and only strictly under the supervision of an experienced doctor.

Pulmonary edema can develop as a consequence of inflammation of overheating, lungs (thermal or sunstroke), heavy physical exertion, plague, pasteurellosis, pancreatitis, renal failure, general anesthesia and poisoning with chemical substances.

Symptoms of pulmonary edema

• abdominal palpitations;
• breathing breathing with a characteristic “gurgling”:
• wheezing, wet cough with bloody sputum;
• blue animal;
• mucous membranes takes a forced position, cannot. Important.

lie down: if a diagnosis of “feline pulmonary edema” is suspected, treatment begins immediately, since the life of the animal depends on the speed of reaction!

What not to do: worry and panic, try to get the animal drunk, and self-medicate the animal. Pulmonary edema is a very dangerous condition, requiring not only intensive care, but also resuscitation, sometimes carried out by an experienced doctor.

necessary What to do: immediately dial our clinic telephone number and immediately explain to the veterinarian the severity of the condition, be sure! The life of a cat depends on the correctness of your actions!

Pulmonary edema in treatment, cats

Therapy begins with ensuring the cat is absolutely at rest. The drugs are mainly administered intravenously: glucose solution or calcium chloride, cordiamine, or sulfocamphocaine adrenaline. The doctor may also prescribe expectorants and diuretics. Further treatment is underway symptomatic.

Remember: the disease is always easier, therefore, a timely preventive examination at the clinic “consultation” and Zoostatus of the veterinarian is the key to the health and quality of life of your pet!

Pulmonary edema in cats - causes of the disease, symptoms and treatment

The disease manifests itself as a sharp expansion blood vessels lungs with subsequent accumulation of serous fluid in the alveoli.

Symptoms of the disease

The cat experiences severe depression due to the development of shortness of breath and attacks of suffocation. In this case, the animal takes a characteristic pose: in a standing position, the cat spreads its forelimbs and widens its nostrils. Its mucous membranes are bluish in color. Swelling is common subcutaneous tissue in the chest, paws, crotch and around the eyes. Foam with a bloody tint may be released from the nasal openings during inhalation.

Pulmonary edema is never an independent disease. This disease often accompanies heart, kidney or liver failure, as well as anemia, cachexia (exhaustion), brain injury and inflammation, poisoning with toxic gases.

Treatment

Treatment measures should begin with eliminating the disease that provoked the development of pulmonary edema. The cat must be given complete rest. Medicines should include cardiac, diuretic and laxatives. Helps just as well intravenous administration 10% solution calcium chloride or 40% glucose solution.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema in cats. Pulmonary edema

Exists standard algorithm actions to be followed veterinarian during therapy acute condition caused by pulmonary edema. Since pulmonary edema causes acute respiratory failure and hypoxia of tissues and organs, including vital ones, oxygen therapy and, in some cases, artificial ventilation are necessary.

Among medicines, used to relieve an acute condition and reduce it negative consequences on the body - antipsychotics, diuretics, for example, furosemide (Lasix), nitroglycerin, corticosteroids, antihistamines, aminophylline, defoamers. It is also important to carry out treatment of the underlying cardiac pathology (if the edema is cardiogenic) and detoxification therapy for toxic pulmonary edema, as well as for the correction of disorders caused by respiratory failure.

When conducting infusion therapy(which may include plasma transfusion - for pulmonary edema caused by hypoalbuminemia, i.e. low albumin content in the blood) it is important to strictly (!) take into account the amount of fluids administered and diuresis, i.e. removing them, since its absence can greatly aggravate the condition of the animal, even fatal outcome. It is also necessary to appoint antibacterial drugs to prevent the development of secondary bacterial infection(it is especially important in cases where artificial ventilation lungs).

During treatment, regular monitoring of the body’s condition is also necessary using laboratory and instrumental studies(blood tests, radiography, electrocardiography, monitoring of arterial and venous pressure).

Prevention of the development of cardiogenic pulmonary edema involves timely diagnosis and treatment. adequate treatment(conservative or surgical - for heart defects that can be corrected) heart diseases. In addition, acute and chronic diseases respiratory system, which are also one of the causes of pulmonary edema, must also be diagnosed before irreversible damage develops, often leading to the development of heart failure due to chronic hypoxia, to which, for example, the myocardium - the heart muscle - is very sensitive.

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema can be prevented by the absence of inappropriate fluid therapy (excessive amounts of fluid introduced into the body, which happens in cases where hydration is carried out without taking into account the amount of fluid in and out). Preventing the development of hypoalbuminemia in diseases of the kidneys, liver, intestines, as well as the animal’s refusal to eat, also prevents the development of pulmonary edema.

To prevent toxic shock it is necessary to prevent animals from inhaling various toxic substances, including poisonous gases and tobacco smoke, control the development of acute allergic reactions(which can only be done by a veterinarian).

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Pulmonary edema

Pulmonary edema is an acute condition that requires immediate veterinary attention and often causes the death of the animal. From these facts it follows that if there is a suspicion of pulmonary edema in your pet, you first need to contact a veterinarian (urgently, not via the Internet, but in a clinic where intensive care is possible!).

Symptoms of pulmonary edema include shortness of breath, breathing with an open mouth (a clear sign in cats, which normally do not exhibit this type of breathing), and coughing (rare in cats, more common in dogs). Animals often take a pose with their front paws widely spaced and refuse to assume a lying position. For more late stages A pinkish-colored foamy liquid may be released from the oral and nasal cavities.

Field of medicine: Pulmonology

Pathological filling with fluid leads to pulmonary edema in cats, as a result of which the process of filling the blood with oxygen is quickly disrupted, and respiratory failure and hypoxia quickly progress. If help is not provided on time, death from asphyxia occurs quickly, sometimes within a day or even several hours.

Causes

There are several types of pulmonary edema in cats:

Risk factors

Cardiogenic edema is most common in cats, as cardiomyopathy is characteristic disease, especially for purebred animals. But this misfortune also has good side: knowing about the risks, you can prevent the disease itself and its critical consequences. A predisposition to cardiomyopathy has been scientifically proven in some breeds. First of all, these are British and Scottish cats, large and active Maine Coons. To a lesser extent, but still at risk, sphinxes, Persians, Bengals and Abyssinian cats remain at risk.

However, it is also impossible to exclude the possibility of developing cardiac hypertrophy in other breeds: the development of this disease is determined by the physiology of the cat’s body, and the level of risk depends on general condition, hereditary factors, lifestyle. We can say that all representatives of domestic cats are at risk to one degree or another, it’s just that the healthier ones pathological process doesn't have time to start.

Clinical picture

Pulmonary edema in cats is accompanied by a complex of life-threatening symptoms. It is important to know them exactly in order to respond immediately:

• shortness of breath with characteristic abdominal type breathing;
• wheezing when breathing, sometimes with transparent discharge from the nose;
• reflex cough, often with copious sputum and, sometimes, with blood;
• oxygen starvation, which appears general weakness, cyanosis and heavy breathing open mouth.

Individually, these symptoms can appear even in healthy animals. For example, cats breathe with their mouths open when they are overheated or as a result of hyperactivity. But in this case, the symptom goes away within a few minutes if the animal is placed in a cool place or calmed down.

Wheezing and reflex cough may be a sign of a respiratory tract infection, in which case the dynamics of the increase in symptoms will not be pronounced. Pulmonary edema develops very quickly, unlike clinical picture respiratory infections.

The leading symptoms of edema are characteristic shortness of breath, cyanosis and signs of oxygen starvation. And most importantly: pulmonary edema is characterized by rapidly increasing dynamics of symptoms.

Diagnostics

Accurate diagnosis is possible using x-ray lungs, which clearly shows changes caused by the presence of fluid in the tissues. However, basic symptoms are sufficient to provide assistance: regardless of the cause, the presence of signs of oxygen starvation requires emergency measures. Doctors often do not have time to clarify the diagnosis, since minutes count.

Usually diagnostic tests and doctors begin examinations only after the start emergency assistance. On frontal and lateral photographs, darkening of the lungs and large vessels- this is a sign of the presence of fluid. With cardiomyopathy, the image shows a pronounced enlargement of the left side of the heart. On auscultation, characteristic wheezing and cardiac arrhythmias are recorded.

A little later diagnostic measures to determine the cause of swelling: ultrasound examinations, clinical and biochemical research blood and urine.

Ambulance

If suspicion arises, then one thing is required from the owner: not to panic and urgently take the animal to the clinic.

At the same time, we must remember that stress and excess drinking can only worsen the situation. Therefore, you need to provide your pet with complete peace and quiet, do not feed or water it - do nothing at all, just grab the cat and take it to the doctor. If it is not possible to take it immediately, then while waiting, the sick animal should be placed in the quietest room where it will not be disturbed, but there is no need to force it there: if it is easier for the cat to endure the state of oxygen starvation while standing, let it stand.

Moreover, there is no need to waste time calling for consultations and searching for advice on the Internet: even a couple of minutes can be fatal.

Treatment

Pulmonary edema in cats belongs to the category of pathologies the treatment of which is possible only in a hospital setting, regardless of the severity and stage of the pathology.

First of all, all the veterinarian’s actions will be aimed at stabilizing the condition: restoring oxygen metabolism and removing excess fluid from the tissues of the lungs and other organs. Oxygen therapy is carried out different ways, depending on the severity of the condition: oxygen cushion or boxing, artificial ventilation or emergency surgery. Used to remove fluid medications(diuretics, diuretics) or, in severe cases, thoracotomy.

Only after the start resuscitation measures, the doctor can begin the diagnostic process in order to find out the cause of the development of the pathology. But even after the patient’s condition has stabilized, observation is required: an animal that has suffered pulmonary edema requires treatment for the disease that caused it, as well as prevention of re-edema or possible complications.

Prevention

Principles for preventing the occurrence of such dangerous condition arise from reasons.

First of all, condition monitoring is necessary of cardio-vascular system, especially in animals at risk: purebred cats, animals in postoperative period, as well as those suffering from epilepsy and allergies.

Animals must be treated with care acute infections, kidney pathologies.

It is important to avoid malnutrition, injury, poisoning and stress.

Based on materials from www.merckmanuals.com

Respiratory system of cats consists of large and small airways and lungs. When a cat inhales through the nose or mouth, the air passes through the trachea, which divides into tubes known as the right and left bronchi, then enters the small Airways lungs - bronchioles. Bronchioles end in small sacs called alveoli, whose thin membrane serves as a barrier between air and blood.

The most important function respiratory system is oxygen delivery into the blood, which distributes it throughout the body, as well as carbon dioxide output from the body. Exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs in the alveoli. When normal metabolism is disrupted or becomes insufficient, the cat can become seriously ill. The respiratory system protects its delicate airways by warming and humidifying the inhaled air, filtering out foreign particles. Large particles suspended in the air tend to settle on the lining of the nasal passages, after which they are carried down the throat to be swallowed or coughed up by the cat. Remaining fine particles and microorganisms are destroyed immune system.

Although the basic functions of the respiratory system in all animal species are the same, the structure of the respiratory tract in cats has its own characteristics, differing, for example, from horses or humans. These differences determine, in particular, the presence of specific diseases of the respiratory system in cats.

If the oxygen level in the blood becomes too low (hypoxia or anoxia), the cat will show signs of respiratory failure. A decrease in oxygen levels may be caused by a decrease in transport oxygen capacity blood cells, obstruction of gases in the lungs, inability of body tissues to use available oxygen (a condition caused by some poisons). The cat's body begins to try to compensate for the lack of oxygen by increasing the depth and frequency of breathing, increasing the tension of the spleen (to increase the number of circulating red blood cells), and accelerating blood flow and heart rate. If a cat's brain suffers from a lack of oxygen, respiratory function may be further depressed due to suppressed activity. nervous system. In addition, the functions of the heart, kidneys and liver are affected, and intestinal function is disrupted. If the body's ability to compensate for the lack of oxygen is insufficient, it may form. vicious circle, in which all tissues of the body reduce their functioning efficiency, in turn exacerbating respiratory problems.

Respiratory diseases are not uncommon in cats. Although respiratory problems are most often caused by coughing and difficulty breathing, they can also occur due to a disorder of other organ systems, such as congestive heart failure.

The risk of respiratory disorders is increased for kittens and older cats. At birth, the kitten's respiratory and immune systems are not fully formed, which makes it easier for pathogens to penetrate the lungs and further reproduce. As a cat ages, the ability of a cat's body to filter out particles and fight infection also makes the lungs more vulnerable to pathogens and toxic particles.

Causes of lung and respiratory tract diseases in cats.

Many types of bacteria are normally present in the nasal passages, throat and sometimes lungs without causing any signs of illness. Infection with these usually harmless bacteria can occur when the respiratory system's defenses are weakened by other microorganisms (such as rhinotracheitis viruses or calicivirus), irritants (smoke, poisonous gases), or diseases (such as congestive heart failure or lung tumors). Disease-causing organisms can remain in the cat's respiratory tract even after recovery. In such cases, the cat may experience relapses under stress, and it can also be a source of infection. Bad environment And bad conditions conditions (e.g. overcrowding), which often accompany poor sanitation, can also lead to more frequent and more severe infections. c In nurseries, pet stores, boarding schools and cat shelters, conditions conducive to the spread of infection also occur more often.

Congenital pathologies, such as narrowed nostrils, lengthening soft palate, cleft palate and narrowing of the trachea, can lead to the development of respiratory dysfunction. Tumors, nasopharyngeal polyps, chronic nasal diseases, airway damage, and tracheal collapse can cause breathing difficulties and other respiratory problems.

Diagnosis of lung and respiratory tract diseases in cats.

The cat's medical history and the results of a physical examination help determine the cause and type of disease. X-rays of the chest and neck may be helpful if there is obstruction (or suspected obstruction) of the upper airway (eg, due to a foreign object). As a rule, a chest x-ray is performed if the cat shows signs of lower respiratory tract disease - coughing, frequent shallow breathing or difficulty breathing. A blood gas test or pulse oximetry (a method of measuring the oxygen saturation of the blood) can help assess the need for oxygen therapy in cats with severe difficulty breathing.

If upper airway obstruction is suspected, veterinarians may use a variety of instruments to examine the cat's nose, throat, and airways. If lung disease is suspected, an analysis of the contents of the lungs and respiratory tract is performed. This can be done by rinsing the trachea or air sacs with a sterile fluid and then examining the extracted fluid. These procedures are called transtracheal lavage and bronchoalveolar lavage.

In cats with fluid accumulation in pleural cavity, a special needle is used to drain the fluid (a procedure called thoracentesis), and a sample of the fluid is then examined under a microscope. Fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity may be a sign of heart disease, so your cat may need an ECG.

Nasal discharge and watery eyes may be signs of a viral or bacterial infection, as well as a tumor or the presence of foreign object in the cat's nose. IN difficult cases may be required additional examinations using x-rays, computed tomography, examinations using an endoscope, studying samples of nasal tissue. Diagnosis of fungal infections may require microscopic evaluation of nasal tissue. Sometimes, in addition to routine tests, a blood test is taken from the cat to identify fungal infections.

Symptoms of respiratory diseases in cats.

• Nasal discharge (mucus, pus or blood, depending on the disease);
• Cough - dry or with mucus or blood;
• Frequent breathing (not always a sign of illness, it is often observed in healthy cats after physical activity);
• Difficulty or rapid breathing, shortness of breath;
• Shallow breathing;
• Signs of pain when inhaling or exhaling;
• Noises (wheezing) when breathing;

Prevention of lung and respiratory diseases in cats.

Sudden changes in diet, cold, drafts, dampness, dust, poor ventilation, and mixing of different cats may all play a role in the development of respiratory diseases in cats. age groups in nurseries and shelters. Stress also provokes diseases. Some types of infections can be prevented by vaccinating cats, however, this does not replace the need to comply with sanitary standards keeping cats.

Treatment of lung and respiratory diseases in cats.

At respiratory diseases There is increased secretion in the organs of the respiratory system (for example, in the nose and lungs), the products of which the cat’s body cannot get rid of on its own. One of the goals of treatment is to reduce the volume and density of such secretions and facilitate their removal. This can be achieved by treating the infection and, if possible, improving drainage to remove accumulated secretions.

Cats with respiratory distress should generally receive plenty of water unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian. Humidifying the air can facilitate the removal of secreted fluids. Cough medications are sometimes used to thin the secretions and alleviate the cat's condition, but they rarely help. Severe respiratory failure and large volumes of secretions may require the assistance of a veterinarian to suction the fluid.

If coughing does not clear mucus ( nonproductive cough), can be used medicines to suppress cough. Airway obstruction caused by contractions of the bronchial muscles is sometimes treated with bronchodilators, which widen the airways. Such medications may be prescribed to cats with asthma and the like. chronic diseases respiratory tract. Antihistamines may be used to relieve narrowing of the airways caused by allergies. Constriction of bronchioles in the lungs can also be significantly reduced by eliminating irritating factors using mild sedatives. If bacterial infections are present, antibiotics are used. When fluid accumulates in the lungs, diuretics (medicines that help the body get rid of excess fluid) are sometimes used.

If the disease is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood, the cat's condition can be improved with oxygen therapy. However, such treatment should be carried out under the close supervision of a doctor, as excess oxygen can also cause problems.

Pulmonary edema in a cat or acute pulmonary failure is not independent disease, but a complication of certain ailments of a cardiogenic or non-cardiogenic nature. It is accompanied by acute suffocation, progressing as the swelling increases. If veterinary care is late, the animal dies from asphyxia. In this article we will look at the reasons pulmonary insufficiency in animals, we will answer the questions: why is the disease fatal, is it possible to cure the pathology, what preventive measures exist.

The process of breathing in animals, as in humans, occurs with the participation of alveoli - peculiar bubble formations in the lungs, intertwined with a network of blood vessels. IN normal conditions During inhalation, the alveoli of the lungs are filled with oxygen, which enters the blood, which then carries it to the brain, nourishes the heart and tissues. When you exhale, exhaust air containing carbon dioxide is released through the alveoli.

In case of pulmonary insufficiency (edema), by various reasons transudate (edematous fluid) and the liquid part of the blood exit into the alveoli - infiltration. Sharp decrease working volume of the lungs disrupts the breathing process and leads to progressive oxygen starvation of the body.

Causes of the disease

Pulmonary failure in cats almost always develops as a complication of heart disease, but it can also have a different, non-cardiogenic nature.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema

The most common cause of pulmonary edema is progression of heart failure in cats. Heart failure develops due to disruption of the left ventricle of the heart. This provokes pathology of the pulmonary circulation and swelling in various organs and tissues, including the lungs. Cardiogenic edema accompanies the following diseases:

• cardiomyopathy;
• aortic insufficiency;
• mitral stenosis of the heart;
• pulmonary embolism;
• myocarditis;
• hypertension;
• infective endocarditis.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema in cats is characterized by a gradual filling of the alveoli with fluid, an increase in oxygen starvation of tissues, turning into asphyxia. In this case, in order to save the animal, resuscitation measures cannot be avoided.

Non-cardiogenic edema

Infectious and non-infectious ailments that may be complicated by pulmonary insufficiency are:

• respiratory system diseases: pneumonia, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, trauma chest, inhalation of volatile toxic substances;
• diseases excretory system: nephritis, renal failure;
• gastrointestinal diseases: pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, volvulus;
• diseases of the nervous system: encephalitis, meningitis, brain tumors, reaction to anesthesia after sterilization or castration;
• complications infectious diseases: flu, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, plague;
• severe allergic reactions.

Predisposition to disease

Pulmonary edema of a cardiogenic nature occurs more often in cats of certain breeds that have a hereditary tendency to cardiovascular pathologies. This breed defect is inherent in many artificially bred cat breeds:

• sphinxes;
• Maine Coons;
• to the British;
• Scottish Fold;
• Persian and representatives of other breeds.

Kittens are more likely to suffer traumatic edema lungs. The pathology develops in them after chest injuries, to which they are very susceptible.

There is no difference in the incidence of this pathology between males and females.

Types of disease

Based on the rate of progression of symptoms, several types of disease are distinguished:

1. Lightning fast - has rapid development, leading to rapid death.
2. Acute – characterized by a high rate of development. Symptoms increase over several hours. In this case, promptly started treatment - the only way animal rescue.
3. Subacute – has a wave-like development. Periods of increasing symptoms are followed by periods of subsiding.
4. Prolonged – has erased symptoms. Characteristic of chronic pathologies.

Symptoms of the disease

In cats, symptoms of pulmonary edema include signs of oxygen deprivation. Their onset may be preceded by characteristic condition animal, indicating a deterioration in health. It's anxiety hoarse cough, refusal to eat, pallor of the mucous membranes.

With an increase in oxygen deficiency in the tissues, the animal begins to suffocate. The state of lack of air is determined by the specific behavior of the cat:

• heavy breathing with an open mouth and protruding tongue;
• a position in which it is easier to breathe: paws widely spaced, elongated neck and head down;
• cold paws;
• bluish mucous membranes of the lips and nose;
• abdominal breathing.

First aid before going to the veterinary clinic

If there are signs of pulmonary edema, immediate assistance to the animal is very important, since it determines whether resuscitation will be successful. Before delivering the cat to the clinic, it is necessary to make the breathing process as easy as possible for her using improvised methods:

• give an injection of a diuretic (Furosemide);
• open the windows or take the cat out into the fresh air;
• provide the animal with complete rest and limit physical activity;
• do not disturb or take any forceful action towards him;
• deliver to the clinic as quickly as possible;
• During transportation, it is advisable to place the animal on its side.

If first aid is provided correctly, then provided professional approach to the choice of treatment method, there is hope that the animal will recover.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnostic procedures should be as prompt as possible, since suffocation can progress rapidly. Sometimes healing procedures It is advisable to start in parallel with the diagnosis so as not to miss time. Basic diagnostic measures:

1. A detailed survey of the owner about the behavior and well-being of the animal since the moment of illness.
2. External examination and auscultation (listening) of the lungs and heart.
3. X-ray examination of the chest. Based on the pulmonary pattern, one can determine the nature of the pathology, since areas of the lungs that do not take part in the breathing process and the level of fluid in the alveoli are visible. Are determined and pathological changes in the heart muscle. Radiography helps to conduct and differential diagnosis, which makes it possible to separate the disease from other pathologies of the heart and respiratory system.
4. Ultrasound of the heart is prescribed if a cardiogenic origin of the disease is suspected, to determine how much the contractility of the left ventricle is altered.
5. An electrocardiogram provides information about the presence of ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmias and ischemia of the heart muscle.
6. General and biochemical analysis blood will complement the picture of the disease with a number of clinical signs.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment of pulmonary edema begins with resuscitation measures designed to support the cat’s life. First of all, this is oxygen therapy, which consists of forcing the cat to breathe through a special mask where oxygen is supplied or placing it in an oxygen chamber for a certain time.

If the cause of pulmonary failure was foreign body or vomit enters the respiratory tract (aspiration), then it is removed by tracheostomy (bringing the trachea out).

The main treatment consists of drug therapy:

• relief from swelling and excess liquid in tissues – diuretics, diuretics (Furosemide);
• normalization of heart function - drugs that relieve heart failure and affect tissue metabolism (Carboxylase);
• decrease in pressure of the pulmonary circulation - ganglion blockers (Bromide, Trimetaphan);
• stimulation of breathing - drugs that stimulate the parts of the brain responsible for breathing (Sulfocamphocaine);
• relieving inflammation - antihistamines (Dexamethasone);
• If pulmonary edema occurs in a cat due to a bacterial infection, then treatment with antibiotics is started.

After relief of the acute condition, therapy for the underlying disease begins, during which medications are used of various nature, according to indications, depending on the nature of the disease.

Treatment of pulmonary edema and concomitant diseases should only take place in a hospital, since the serious condition of the animal requires constant medical supervision.

Disease Prevention

Special preventive measures There are no protection against illness. Prevention consists of careful monitoring of animals that are at risk for cardiovascular and colds. These are predisposed breeds (Maine Coons, Sphynxes, Persians, Scottish, British), weakened, with low immunity having excess weight, animals that move little.

If the disease is cured in time, then we can say with a high degree of confidence that complications will not develop.

The main preventive measures are:

• protect the cat from physical overload;
• protect from unfavorable conditions external environment(avoid overheating and hypothermia, being in drafts);
• monitor the safety of cats and kittens at home (protect access to wires and electrical appliances, ensure that the animal cannot inhale the fumes of aggressive chemical substances, protect from falls and injuries);
• strengthen the immune system, do not skip scheduled vaccinations;
• take place regularly preventive examinations at the veterinarian.

The disease often has a poor prognosis. But the attention and love of the owner can work a miracle. Competent and timely veterinary care (especially in non-cardiogenic disease) makes the chances of recovery quite high.

Pulmonary edema in a cat is oxygen starvation, as a result of which body cells are slowly destroyed and the animal suffocates. Pulmonary edema in cats can be cardiogenic, that is, occurring against the background of heart disease, and non-cardiogenic.

You should not rely on your own strength, since only a specialist can cope with this disease. If you suspect pulmonary edema, you should immediately contact the clinic. This fatal disease, which is sometimes impossible to cure, even if first aid was provided in a timely manner.

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Causes of pulmonary edema in cats

Cardiogenic edema occurs as a result of heart failure. At weak activity In the left ventricle, the functioning of the pulmonary circulation is disrupted, which contributes to stagnation of blood in the lungs and further discharge of fluid into the surrounding tissues. Initially, cardiogenic causes manifest themselves in lower parts lungs, and after some time they move to the bronchi.

With pulmonary edema, the alveoli are completely filled with fluid, as a result of which they cannot function properly - perform gas exchange. In such a situation, the pet suffers from asphyxia and ultimately dies.

The following breeds are at risk: Scottish Fold, British, Persian, Maine Coon, Abyssinian, Sphynx, Bengal.

If pulmonary edema occurs as a result of a heart defect, then the animal has little chance of recovery.

Among the non-cardiogenic causes of hyperemia are:

• lobar pneumonia;
• inhalation of hot air;
• sun or heatstroke;
• brain injuries from blows or falls;
• the occurrence of a septic process;
• exposure to electric current;
• bronchial asthma;
• taking medications in large doses;
• renal failure;
• malignant formations;
• infectious, non-infectious diseases;
• liver diseases;
• penetration of vomit into the respiratory tract;
• anaphylactic shock.

Cat neutering is an operation performed on adult cats. Animals often tolerate it calmly and recover from anesthesia easily, but sometimes pulmonary edema can occur. The pet cannot move, the tongue falls out, and the mouth turns blue. This is due to the fact that before the operation, specialists did not examine the heart and did not identify disturbances in its activity that provoke such complications.



Symptoms of pulmonary edema in a pet

A cat with a heart defect, especially if it is elderly, is at risk. Therefore, every pet owner should know the main symptoms of pulmonary edema in a cat:

• the pet takes an unusual position: it spreads its front legs wide and lowers its head to inhale as much air as possible, its sides swell significantly;
• limbs become cold;
• after some time the animal falls on its side from exhaustion;
• the mucous membranes of the mouth become bluish or pale;
• the cat has difficulty breathing, pink sputum appears when coughing;
• bubbling and seething cough;
• observed foamy discharge from the mouth or nose;
• tongue falls out;
• the functioning of the heart is disrupted, as a result of which the pulse initially quickens, and after some time becomes intermittent and weak;
• due to paralysis respiratory center the animal dies.



When an animal has pulmonary edema, its behavior changes significantly:

• the animal is constantly in a state of fear;
• as a result of a lack of oxygen, a disturbance of consciousness occurs, the gaze becomes empty, crazy, unseeing;
• the cat does not react to events happening around and does not recognize its owners.

The approach of pulmonary edema in a cat can be noticed in advance if you carefully monitor the animal. Often, a violation of the breathing rhythm occurs within a few days:

• the pet begins to breathe through the mouth or stomach;
• the number of inhalations and exhalations per minute increases significantly (can reach 40);
• breathing is labored and wheezing, accompanied by coughing.



First aid

If a cat has several of the symptoms presented, it is necessary to immediately take him to the veterinarian, since the sooner he is treated medical care, those more likely cure pulmonary edema. Treatment should not be carried out at home. The pet should be placed in a ventilated room with no drafts. Before arriving at the hospital, there is no need to force the animal to rest or try to give it something to drink. It is forbidden to give your cat any means to stimulate breathing. artificial respiration or try to pump out the fluid. When transporting the animal, you can cover it with black cloth so that the pet does not worry again. Treatment of pulmonary edema involves intensive care And constant control veterinarian, so hospital treatment is the most suitable option.



Diagnostics

Diagnosis of pulmonary edema involves a whole range of studies. The specialist prescribes tests, x-rays and ultrasound. Most clinics provide X-ray and ultrasound results immediately. Tests will tell your veterinarian what is causing the pulmonary edema.



Treatment

Treatment of pulmonary edema in cats begins with the administration of a high dose of diuretics (Lasix, furosemide). These drugs have a diuretic effect and reduce the amount of fluid in the tissues. To normalize cardiac activity, adrenaline, cocarboxylase, sulfocamphocaine, caffeine and cordiamine are used.

In addition, the specialist prescribes medications that relieve inflammation and antiallergic drugs, for example, dexamethasone. Calcium chloride or glucose solution is injected intravenously into the animal. If your pet has signs of hypostatic pneumonia, the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics.

Oxygen therapy is prescribed to stimulate breathing. The animal is placed in a special chamber or an oxygen mask is put on its face.

Pulmonary edema in advanced stage implies surgery. If a cat has a tumor in the lungs, medications are prescribed to stop the growth of the tumor.

Prevention of pulmonary edema

Prevention of the disease involves regular examination by a specialist. This is especially true for cats who have been diagnosed with cardiac diseases. The specialist will be able to determine the degree of heart failure and stop the development of pulmonary edema.



In addition, pets who are at risk should undergo examination. Experts advise doing screening echocardiography or ultrasound of the heart. These examinations will help identify diseases that have no clinical signs.

Pulmonary edema in cats is dangerous disease, characterized by serious consequences. Veterinarians can help by using latest methods, but animal owners must understand that most often this disease is fatal. Recovery is possible if the animal is young and has a good immune system. But even despite this, the possibility of relapse remains. If repeated swelling occurs after a few months, the prognosis is unfavorable - most likely, the pet will die.