What is bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi, the part of the upper respiratory system that conducts inspired air from the trachea to the lungs. It is most often associated with inflammation of the trachea. Bronchitis induces swelling of the bronchial wall and an overproduction of mucus within its bronchi which causes coughing and difficulty breathing.
In dogs as in humans, bronchitis can be acute or chronic.
We speak of acute bronchitis when the condition appears suddenly and when it evolves and resolves quickly.
On the other hand, when the condition causes a cough that lasts or recurs after phases of improvement for more than 2 months, it is chronic bronchitis.
What causes bronchitis to appear in dogs?
Acute bronchitis can be caused by irritants such as smoke, dust, chemicals in the air or by bacterial agents that can develop due to a transient fragility of the dog (cold, fatigue, advanced age) or pre-existing inflammation of the bronchi of parasitic, viral, physical or even allergic origin.
Chronic bronchitis can appear initially for the same reasons as chronic bronchitis, to which can be added obstructions of the upper respiratory tract.
What are the symptoms of bronchitis in dogs?
Acute bronchitis is generally manifested by the appearance of dry coughing spells for 48 to 72 hours then oily (with mucus production) for a few days. It may be accompanied by fever.
In the case of chronic bronchitis, the cough that can be productive at first then becomes dry, hoarse and painful for the animal and the fits can lead to vomiting. The cough can be triggered simply by palpation of the trachea. Chronic bronchitis is accompanied by exercise intolerance (the dog runs out of breath at least effort), a sign of the dog's breathing difficulties. These difficulties can sometimes become such that we can observe cyanosis (the mucous membranes become bluish) or fainting.
In the long term, chronic bronchitis can be complicated by right heart failure, pulmonary emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis.
How is bronchitis diagnosed?
Acute bronchitis can be diagnosed during an auscultation and a clinical examination at the veterinarian, while the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis generally involves several examinations such as blood tests, chest X-rays , bronchoscopy and/or bronchoalveolar lavage.
How is bronchitis treated in dogs?
Treatment of acute bronchitis in dogs
The treatment of acute bronchitis is generally based on the prescription of medical treatment including anti-inflammatories aimed at reducing inflammation of the bronchi and/or trachea, an expectorant medication in the event of productive cough or, on the contrary, an antitussive in case of dry cough.
In case of associated infection or risk of superinfection, the veterinarian may choose to prescribe antibiotics in addition.
Treatment of chronic bronchitis in dogs
The treatment of chronic bronchitis is based on medical treatment which may include:
- antitussive drugs in case of non-productive dry cough,
- antibiotics if germs have been detected on the bronchoalveolar lavage or when the condition does not go away despite the treatments put in place,
- anti-inflammatory corticosteroids when antitussive drugs are ineffective and when there is no bronchial infection,
- bronchodilator drugs aimed at facilitating respiratory exchanges.
If the dog is overweight, a slimming diet will have to be undertaken in order to make him lose excess weight which can accentuate respiratory problems.
Collars will need to be replaced in favor of a harness that will not compress the dog's trachea during walks.
Natural treatment for dog bronchitis
Many plant extracts and essential oils are useful in treating dog bronchitis, whether acute or chronic.
Orally, it is possible to use a synergy of cypress (antiviral action), licorice (anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulator, anti-infective), echinacea (anti-infective and immuno- stimulant) and Scots pine (decongestant, anti-inflammatory, antitussive and expectorant) associated with the properties of essential oils of ravintsara, eucalyptus radiata and fragrant inula.Always seek the advice of a specialized veterinarian before using these plants in your animal in order to study possible contraindications and to know the dosage.
By the respiratory route, diffuse a mixture of essential oils of ravintasara, eucalyptus radiata, Scots pine and tea tree for their anti-infectious and antitussive properties for about fifteen minutes 5 to 6 times a day . Be careful not to use these essential oils if you have a cat or young children at home! Also be careful with the use of essential oils in the presence of a pregnant woman.