what a dog cough sounds like

Canine Respiratory Sounds: A Diagnostic Overview

Fundamentals of Canine Respiration

The healthy canine respiratory system efficiently delivers oxygen to the bloodstream and removes carbon dioxide. A normal respiratory rate varies depending on breed, size, age, and activity level. Auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) reveals characteristic sounds indicative of proper airflow.

Abnormal Respiratory Sounds in Canines

A deviation from normal breathing patterns and sounds can signal underlying respiratory conditions. These can range from mild and self-limiting to severe and life-threatening. Assessment relies on careful observation and auscultation.

Types of Aberrant Sounds

  • Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound often associated with narrowed airways, potentially due to inflammation, bronchoconstriction, or foreign body obstruction.
  • Crackles (Rales): Short, popping sounds heard during inspiration, indicative of fluid accumulation in the small airways (alveoli), often observed in pneumonia or pulmonary edema.
  • Stridor: A harsh, high-pitched sound originating from the upper airway, frequently caused by obstruction of the larynx or trachea.
  • Stertor: A snoring-like sound resulting from vibration of the soft palate or other tissues in the upper airway, commonly associated with brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs).

Etiologies of Respiratory Sound Abnormalities

Numerous factors can contribute to atypical sounds, including:

  • Infectious diseases (e.g., kennel cough, pneumonia, fungal infections)
  • Cardiac disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, causing pulmonary edema)
  • Tracheal collapse (common in small breeds)
  • Bronchitis (acute or chronic)
  • Allergies and asthma
  • Foreign body aspiration
  • Tumors in the respiratory tract
  • Parasitic infections (e.g., heartworm)

Diagnostic Approaches

Veterinarians employ a variety of diagnostic tools to determine the cause of abnormal respiratory sounds:

  • Physical examination: Includes auscultation, observation of breathing patterns, and assessment of overall health.
  • Radiography (X-rays): Used to visualize the lungs, heart, and other thoracic structures.
  • Blood tests: Complete blood count (CBC) and serum chemistry to assess overall health and rule out infectious or inflammatory conditions.
  • Tracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL): Collection of fluid samples from the airways for cytology and culture.
  • Endoscopy: Visualization of the airways using a flexible endoscope.