Airway System

Coughing, sneezing, or changes in breathing are usually due to issues in the upper airway (nose, mouth, sinuses, and throat) or lower airway (trachea, lungs, and bronchi). Let’s not forget to throw in the heart as well—an enlarged heart can put pressure on the lower airway and the cough center. Heart failure can also lead to fluid buildup in the lungs.

The majority of coughing and sneezing cases are related to the upper airway. If there are more severe lung or heart conditions, usually there are other symptoms such as chronic coughing, rapid or labored breathing, lethargy, not eating, and exercise intolerance.

Causes

Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and breathing changes can be related to the airway or cardiac system. We use your pet’s history, life-style, physical exam findings, and diagnostics tests to rule-out conditions. With severe or chronic cases, referral for xrays are needed. Below are common causes of coughing or sneezing:

Infection

Allergies

Breed-Related

Collapsing Trachea

Heartworm Disease

Cardiac Disease

Lung Disease

Foreign Bodies

Asthma

Kennel Cough

Kennel Cough is the common name for Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis which is an airway infection. The infection can be a mix of viruses or bacteria. Your dog does not need to be in a “kennel” to get infected. Contagious airway viruses and bacteria are passed easily from airway secretions of another dog. It may take 7-10 days after exposure for signs to develop.

Since airway infections are highly contagious, we recommend all dogs receive the annual Bordetella vaccine to help prevent infection from one of the main bacteria players. This vaccine helps prevent infection or reduce symptoms.

Neighborhood Vet can treat minor cases of kennel cough. Signs of a more serious issue such as pneumonia are not eating, decreased energy, labored or heavy breathing, deep cough, or excessive discharge from the nose. We can refer your pet to a full service hospital for advanced testing and treatment if needed.

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

Poor kitties are prone to viruses and bacteria that can chronically infect the airway system. The herpes virus is the most common in cats and is highly contagious. Kittens are easily infected by their mother. Once infected the virus never fully goes away, and cats become carriers although appear very healthy. The virus can then reactivate at various times throughout the cat’s life due to stress, immune changes, and illness.

Symptoms of feline URI include sneezing, wheezing, nasal discharge, and inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis).

Treatment includes reducing the symptoms, addressing stress, and strengthening the immune system. We routinely treat cats with upper airway infections.