How to Recognize and Treat Pleural Effusion in Dogs
A dog that suffers from pleural effusion is experiencing an abnormal amount of fluid accumulation near the lungs. This condition is typically caused by an underlying factor such as cancer or liver disease. Because this condition can seriously affect your canine’s health it’s important to seek immediate care. Here’s how to recognize and treat pleural effusion in dogs.
Instructions
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Evaluate your dog for symptoms of pleural effusion. Dogs that experience this condition may have difficulty breathing, coughing, loss of appetite and weight loss. You may also notice that your canine doesn’t tolerate exercise well.
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Take your dog to the emergency hospital. It’s important to get immediate care for this condition. If it’s after hours take your dog to the local emergency hospital. Keep your dog calm while transporting to minimize additional health issues.
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Create a treatment strategy with your vet. Your dog may immediately need oxygen if she's having serious breathing issues. Ask about removing the excess fluid from your dog’s lungs. This aids in recovery of this condition. If your dog is experiencing heart failure it’s important that a diuretic is administered.
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Provide a calm place for your dog to heal. When you bring your dog home from the hospital he will need a relaxing place to rest. Remove all distractions from his area and wash all bedding. Provide a few favorite toys for comfort and remind playful children that your dog needs to recover.
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Reduce stress from your dog’s environment. Although it’s impossible to keep your dog in a bubble, removing extra stress may prevent relapse. Keep your dog away from aggressive animals or anything that appears to cause him discomfort.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep exercise to a minimum. Dogs that suffer from pleural effusion should reduce their activity. Keeping your dog on a leash while taking a bathroom break can cut down on excess roaming.
Monitor your canine closely. Watch your dog for signs of relapse such as difficulty breathing, loss of appetite or weight loss. Seek immediate care if your dog experiences any of these symptoms.
