Edema is the term used when fluid builds up abnormally in a dog’s tissue, causing swelling. This can be due to many factors.
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Pulmonary Edema in Dogs
Pulmonary refers to anything related to the lungs, so pulmonary edema is an unusual fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Many diseases and trauma can lead to the build up of fluid in the lungs, such as:
- Pneumonia
- Toxin ingestion
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Trauma
- Near drowning
- Seizures
What happens is that instead of air, fluid fills the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lungs. Depending on the cause the fluid can build up over a long period of time or very quickly.
Signs to look out for are:
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness
- Discoloured tongue or lips (blue)
- Open mouth breathing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Rapid breathing
Dr. Hedlund & Dr. Putman said: “Pulmonary edema appears to develop in three phases: (a) after an initial injury to the lung, permeability of the air-blood barrier to water increases; (b) a subsequent increase in movement of extravascular fluid; and (c) finally, there is a significant increase in extravascular fluid volume (interstitial and alveolar).”
Corneal Edema in Dogs
Corneal endothelial cells remove fluid from the cornea; cornea edema occurs when excessive fluid is in the cornea and the fluid is not being removed correctly. A corneal edema can lead to a blue hue in the cornea.
Causes of corneal edema:
- Glaucoma
- Corneal ulcers
- Anterior uveitis
- Endotheliitis
- Endothelial dystrophy
This is where medical insurance would be needed. Tests will need to be performed by your veterinarian sooner rather than later to prevent complete loss of vision. Your veterinarian would want to determine the cause and not just treat the symptom.
In their article on Corneal Edema Dr. Brewer and Dr. Foote wrote: “The cornea is the transparent outer fibrous tunic of the eye that protects the internal structures of the eye and transmits light to the retina to form an image.”
Edema in Dogs’ Leg
Edema in the leg is due to a build up of fluid specifically in the affected leg or leg area. Injury to said area can be the cause, blood vessel inflammation, bacterial infection or even a blockage in the lymphatic system.
Symptoms to look out for are:
- Puffiness or swelling on a leg, ankle or paw
- Pain on swollen area
- Lameness
Treatment for this would largely depend on what the cause is, which needs to be determined by a veterinarian for an effective treatment and hopefully cure.
Pitting Edema in Dogs
Pitting edema is the same as an edema, but when pressure is applied to the edematous area a ‘pit’ or indentation will remain.
Causes of pitting edema can be:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Allergies
- Liver disease
- Infections
The cause of the edema needs to be determined to be treated correctly, for that a veterinarian will need to be consulted, tests performed and on occasion even surgery. This can add up quickly, I highly recommend investing in Petcube Emergency Fund for your pooch in case of such emergencies.
Signs to look out for:
- Any unusual swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Limb enlargement
- Wheezing
- Weakness
- Indentation left when pressure applied to edema
In the article Retrospective evaluation of the etiology and clinical characteristics of peripheral edema in dogs it states:
“The difference between pitting edema and nonpitting edema is described as the presence of an indentation of tissue after pressing upon and releasing the tissue. Pitting edema tends to be caused by an increase in hydrostatic pressure or decreased oncotic pressure, whereas chronic lymphedema, myxedema, vasculitis, and trauma to the blood vessels tend to cause nonpitting edema.”
Conclusion
You want to provide your best friend with the care he needs, when he needs it. Consult a veterinary professional if any form of edema is noticed on your pooch.
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