What is the danger of pulmonary edema in cats? Pulmonary edema in cats Cardiogenic pulmonary edema in cats

Young domestic cats are distinguished by excellent health and the ability to recover even from the most serious injuries, but over the years the situation changes and the animal’s condition worsens. The reasons for the appearance of fluid in the lungs of a cat are extremely varied.

If fluid constantly accumulates in a cat’s lungs, this requires targeted therapy. The survival prognosis largely depends on the etiology of the pathology. The thing is that many unfavorable factors can lead to the gradual accumulation of transudate in the tissues of the respiratory organs. Most often, such a violation is a consequence of the development of severe pathologies of the cardiovascular system.

Typically, cats over 15 years of age begin to develop diseases that lead to the fact that the heart can no longer fully pump blood. Poor pumping function combined with high blood pressure causes blood to stagnate in the pulmonary blood vessels. The capillaries in the lungs become more permeable and the blood plasma begins to saturate the tissues of the respiratory organs. At the same time, the problem does not always lie precisely in diseases of the cardiovascular system.

In some cases, pulmonary edema in a cat is non-cardiogenic. Impaired drainage function of the respiratory system may be associated with severe allergic reactions and septic tissue damage. Among other things, such disruption of lung function is often a consequence of severe traumatic brain injury, electric shock or neurogenic edema of any etiology.

Often, fluid can accumulate in a cat’s lungs due to the presence of a malignant tumor. Tumors put pressure on the blood and lymphatic vessels, causing an increase in pressure in them, which is why plasma and lymphatic fluid saturate the tissues of the respiratory organs. In some cases, the processes of saturation of the lungs with transudate are associated with inflammatory diseases of an infectious and non-infectious nature.

Under certain circumstances, pulmonary edema can be caused by disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. A decrease in the production of special proteins in the cat’s body leads to the fact that blood vessels become more permeable.

Filling an animal's lungs with fluid should not go unnoticed by pet owners. The symptoms of this pathological condition are quite noticeable. If fluid in a cat's lungs accumulates gradually and in small quantities, the animal, as a rule, behaves very restlessly, tries to avoid being touched and hides under beds and in other secluded places.

With a significant accumulation of transudate, more characteristic symptomatic manifestations appear, including increased breathing, shortness of breath, and the mucous membranes of the animal acquire a bluish tint. Wheezing and gurgling in the chest are clearly audible. In some cases, your cat may begin to cough up small amounts of liquid. Considering that the animal does not have enough oxygen, it can take poses with its front legs widely spaced, trying to increase the size of the chest. If any signs of fluid accumulation in the animal's lungs appear, a necessary measure is to visit a veterinarian.

To determine the problem, an X-ray of the cat’s chest and a number of other studies are usually performed that allow us to identify the root cause of the pathology. To improve the general condition of the animal, diuretics are usually prescribed to remove excess fluid from the lungs. In severe cases, placing the animal in a special oxygen chamber is indicated. These therapies can at least temporarily improve the cat's condition, but cannot eliminate the root cause of the problem. Further treatment of the animal is carried out taking into account the disease that caused the accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

If pulmonary edema in a cat is caused by cardiac problems, the doctor may prescribe supportive therapy to eliminate the existing manifestations and prevent the animal’s premature death. Septic, allergic and inflammatory diseases respond well to treatment, so if they are identified, pulmonary edema can be completely eliminated.

Despite the fact that in some cases an animal in which transudate accumulates in the respiratory organs can be successfully treated, in severe forms even targeted therapy is often useless. To prevent the death of a cat from pulmonary edema, it is necessary to contact a veterinary clinic at the first manifestations of the pathology, as this will increase the chances of recovery.

Pulmonary edema in a cat or acute pulmonary failure is not an 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 the article we will look at the causes of pulmonary failure in animals, answer the questions: why the disease is fatal, whether the pathology can be cured, 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. Under normal conditions, the alveoli of the lungs during inhalation are filled with oxygen entering 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 pulmonary insufficiency (edema), for various reasons, transudate (edematous fluid) and the liquid part of the blood leak into the alveoli - infiltration. A sharp decrease in the 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 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:

• diseases of the respiratory system: pneumonia, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, chest injuries, inhalation of volatile toxic substances;
• diseases of the 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 of infectious diseases: influenza, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, plague;
• severe allergic reactions.

Predisposition to disease

Pulmonary edema of a cardiogenic nature more often occurs 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 more often suffer from traumatic pulmonary edema. 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, prompt treatment is the only way to save the animal.
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 a characteristic state of the animal, indicating a deterioration in health. This is 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, neck elongated and head lowered;
• 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 subject to a 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 it is advisable to start treatment procedures in parallel with diagnostics, 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. Pathological changes in the heart muscle are also determined. X-rays also help to carry out 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. A general and biochemical blood test 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 insufficiency is a foreign body or vomit entering the respiratory tract (aspiration), then they are removed by tracheostomy (extending the trachea).

The main treatment consists of drug therapy:

• getting rid of swelling and excess fluid 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 the acute condition has been relieved, therapy for the underlying disease begins, during which medications of various types are used, according to indications, depending on the nature of the disease.

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

Disease Prevention

There are no special preventive measures to protect against the disease. 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, overweight, 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 environmental conditions (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 fumes of aggressive chemicals, protect from falls and injuries);
• strengthen the immune system, do not skip scheduled vaccinations;
• undergo regular preventive examinations with a 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.

Animals, like people, suffer from a number of diseases, the cure of which depends on the speed and quality of diagnosis. Such diseases include pulmonary edema in cats. Unfortunately, in certain situations the development of such a condition indicates the animal’s dying state, but in other cases it can still be saved.

Be that as it may, it is in our power to try to cure a pet, and in cases of severe pathology, to facilitate his departure to another world.

The most important thing when detecting or even suspecting the development of pulmonary edema is to seek medical help as quickly as possible. Therefore, the answer to the frequently asked question - is it possible to cure pulmonary edema in a cat at home - can only be one: no, only an experienced veterinarian can handle this in a well-equipped modern clinic.

What is pulmonary edema

Pulmonary edema in animals is a life-threatening condition in which accumulated fluid in the lungs presses on the alveoli and prevents the normal flow of oxygen to the body's tissues. As a result, the animal suffers greatly from hypoxia - oxygen deficiency, suffocates and suffocates, and ultimately dies without a quick response.

This condition occurs not only with pulmonary diseases and infections. Edema itself is not an independent disease, it is just a symptom or rather a consequence of the development of various pathologies, each of which can provoke the occurrence of this most dangerous condition.

Just like in people, pulmonary edema in cats is a serious and very life-threatening condition, so it is only possible to save a sick animal if you go to the clinic early. Small kittens and old, obese or malnourished cats are especially susceptible to the disease. Both have weak immunity, which can poorly resist the underlying disease.

To confirm or refute a preliminary diagnosis, an x-ray is most often taken, but based on the symptoms, the veterinarian can prescribe a whole series of necessary tests and examinations.

Causes of the condition in cats

Pulmonary edema in cats occurs for many different reasons and is not an independent disease, but a complication, for example, after sterilization or castration. The anesthesia used during surgery promotes the sweating of fluid from stagnant blood in the vessels and its accumulation in the lungs. This is accompanied by pulmonary edema, which can lead to serious consequences including the death of the four-legged patient.

Cats are quite strong and hardy animals in terms of health. But there are very dangerous diseases that a pet may not be able to cope with. Pulmonary edema in cats is a serious pathology that requires immediate attention. Due to swelling of the respiratory system, the cat begins to suffer from oxygen starvation, which can lead to irreversible consequences in the nervous system or death. What kind of disease is this and what are its causes, we will consider in the article.

Pulmonary edema in a cat - what is it?

The lungs consist of two paired organs and inside have a large number of alveoli (cells). When you inhale, the alveoli fill with air, and when you exhale, they empty. All lung tissue is penetrated by small capillaries and vessels through which oxygen and nutrients are exchanged.

With swelling, the alveoli and the tissue between them begin to fill with fluid. There is less space for air, the respiratory surface of the lungs decreases, and the cat begins to suffocate.

The process of gas exchange in the body is disrupted, organs do not receive enough oxygen, and hypoxia occurs.

Pulmonary edema in cats can develop rapidly or slowly. Pathology is not an independent disease, but occurs against the background of other infectious and non-infectious diseases.

What causes pulmonary edema in cats, causes

Experts identify two main types of causes of pulmonary edema in cats:

• cardiogenic;
• non-cardiogenic.

Cardiogenic causes

Very often, the cause of pulmonary edema in cats lies in heart disease. Some destructive processes in the heart and blood vessels lead to a deterioration in the flow of blood and lymph, as a result of which fluids stagnate and begin to fill the lungs.

Lung tissue itself is very porous, and it is full of cells, which is why the organ suffers in the first place.

Heart diseases causing pulmonary edema in cats:

• aortic heart disease;
• cardiosclerosis;
• mitral heart disease;
• cardiomyopathy;
• pulmonary embolism;
• arterial hypertension.

Heart disease can be congenital or acquired. Cats of artificially bred breeds suffer from similar ailments more often.

Non-cardiogenic factors of pulmonary edema in cats

The cause of pulmonary edema can also lie in injuries, disorders in the body, and infectious diseases.

The most common factors that cause fluid to accumulate in a cat's lung tissue:

• Burn of the respiratory tract.
• Poisoning from toxic inhaled vapors.
• Food poisoning by chemical toxins, poisons.
• Viral and bacterial infections.
• Inflammatory processes in the body.
• Electric shock.
• Injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries.
• Serious kidney disease.
• Respiratory allergies.
• Oncological processes.

Many owners who love to overfeed their pets are unaware that obesity leads to heart disease. This, in turn, entails other problems, including swelling of the organs.

Cats living in an apartment sometimes fall from the window. If an animal accidentally falls from a height of the second or more floors, or is hit hard while jumping in a room, it is necessary to check the condition of the internal organs. From the outside, the injury may not be noticeable, and when symptoms begin, there will be very little time left to save the cat.

The types of pulmonary edema in cats, and, more precisely, their causes, can only be determined with accuracy by a veterinarian after appropriate diagnosis.

Symptoms of pulmonary edema in cats

Unfortunately, cats can't talk. It happens that at the early stage of edema the animal does not show its condition in any way. You can suspect pulmonary edema in a pet based on the following symptoms::

1. The cat becomes lethargic, restless, often lies on its side, and eats poorly.
2. There is shortness of breath, the cat breathes like a dog, with its mouth open and its tongue hanging out.
3. When breathing, wheezing and gurgling may be heard.
4. The mucous membranes of the mouth become very pale or bluish.
5. Sometimes there is a cough with expectoration of mucus, and blood may be observed in the discharged liquid secretion.
6. Increased secretion of mucus from the nose.
7. Failures in heart rhythm: high pulse is replaced by low.

If you notice any similar symptoms, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic. In some cases, edema of the lungs and other internal organs in cats progresses very quickly and there is a risk of losing your pet literally in a matter of days or even hours.

Diagnosis of pulmonary edema

If pulmonary edema is suspected, the cat is given an X-ray; the veterinarian also listens to the animal's breathing and takes additional tests (general and biochemical blood tests). Based on the results of the study, the doctor makes a diagnosis, and the animal is prescribed treatment in a hospital or at home.

If the cat is very ill and fluid has accumulated in large quantities, then, regardless of the reasons and without waiting for the results of the tests, the patient is provided with urgent care.

Pulmonary edema can be caused by infectious diseases that are dangerous to humans; in this case, the cat must be isolated during treatment, especially if there are small children in the house.

Treatment

The treatment regimen will depend entirely on the diagnosis. If a disease is detected that causes fluid accumulation in the tissues, treatment is directed specifically at its elimination.

But whatever the disease, therapy is primarily aimed at eliminating severe symptoms and reducing fluid in the cat’s lungs.

Providing first aid for pulmonary edema

To relieve pulmonary edema, the “patient” is given an intramuscular injection (Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, Diprospan). Each of these drugs has an effective anti-edematous effect and helps to avoid acute hypoxia.

To compensate for the lack of oxygen in the cat’s body, the doctor can put it in a pressure chamber or put an oxygen mask on its face.

Also, the “fluffy” is administered (orally or by injection) a diuretic drug to remove excess fluid.

In severe cases, when the animal is near death, artificial ventilation or intubation is performed.

Just like people, when they are sick in an unfamiliar environment, cats experience a lot of stress. To calm the “mustachioed” one, he is given sedatives.

Further therapy

While the cat is in an unstable condition, she is left in the clinic for inpatient treatment. Further therapy will depend on what caused the pulmonary edema. If the problem occurs as a result of injury, poisoning or other external factors, then, as a rule, after the symptoms are relieved, the cat is no longer in danger and can go home to recover.

If heart disease or other diseases are detected, their treatment begins. Some heart pathologies are incurable and relapses with edema can occur unexpectedly in a cat. In such cases, the cat needs constant supervision and regular examination (every six months or year) to avoid crises.

Antibiotic therapy is used to eliminate bacterial infectious diseases. If the lung disease was caused by viruses, then appropriate antiviral drugs are used.

There are a lot of diseases that can cause pulmonary edema. Therefore, it is difficult to say what other treatment can be prescribed for a cat.

Regardless of the disease, after a crisis the animal needs rest and good nutrition to recuperate. Along with medications, it is recommended to add vitamins. The room where a sick cat lives should be well ventilated.

What are the dangers of self-medication of pulmonary edema?

Some people are interested in whether it is possible to cure pulmonary edema in a cat on your own? Under no circumstances should you do this. Firstly, special medications and injections are required to quickly relieve swelling and replenish oxygen in the animal’s body. Secondly, as mentioned above, edema is not an independent disease, but only a consequence of another pathology. And it’s not enough just to eliminate the swelling, you need to find the cause and try to cure it.

At home, a cat can be given first aid, but it is still necessary to take it to a specialist for examination. Even if you manage to remove fluid from the cat’s respiratory system on your own and relieve pulmonary edema, a relapse risks reoccurring with even more serious consequences.

Finally

Pets, like children, require attention and care. Treatment of pulmonary edema in a kitten or adult cat is not a simple matter and requires time and expense. But this is a problem that cannot be ignored or put off if the pet is really dear. By noticing the symptoms in time and seeking help from a specialist, you have a high chance of returning your pet to health and joy to yourself.

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