Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs and cats causes and outcomes
By Nemi, Jacqueline R et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2023·Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Retrospective evaluation of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs and cats (2000-2021): 31 cases.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 30 dogs and 1 cat were diagnosed with noncardiogenic pulmonary edema (NCPE), which can cause breathing problems. The most common cause was upper airway obstruction, but other reasons included electrocution and drowning. Most pets received oxygen therapy, and some were given a diuretic called furosemide to help with fluid buildup. About 74% of the animals survived their treatment, but those needing mechanical ventilation had a lower chance of recovery. Overall, pets that didn't require ventilation had a better prognosis.
People also search for: dog breathing problems treatment · cat pulmonary edema causes · upper airway obstruction in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical features of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema (NCPE), etiology, and outcome in dogs and cats. The study also aimed to evaluate associations with mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Thirty dogs and 1 cat, all client owned. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data collected included animal characteristics, clinical history, evaluation of oxygenation, radiographic features, treatments, and outcomes. Causes of NCPE included upper airway obstruction, electrocution, drowning, neurogenic etiology, and unknown. The etiology was known in 21 of 31 cases (68%), while the etiology of the remaining 10 cases (32%) was classified as unknown. The most common cause for NCPE was upper airway obstruction, found in 14 of 31 cases (45%). The majority of thoracic radiographs showed a mixed interstitial-to-alveolar pulmonary pattern with a diffuse distribution (52%). Oxygen therapy was administered to 27 dogs (90%). Furosemide was administered to 12 dogs (40%). The median duration of hospitalization was 48 hours (range: 1-192). Twenty-three animals (74%) survived to discharge. Six dogs were mechanically ventilated, with only 2 of them (33%) surviving to discharge. The requirement for mechanical ventilation was the only parameter associated with mortality (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: NCPE is a heterogenous disease process that is most common in dogs. There are a variety of causes, but upper airway obstruction appears to be the most common. The overall prognosis is good in animals that do not require mechanical ventilation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37087613/