Asthma

What is Asthma?
In asthma, the air passages in the lungs, called bronchi, spontaneously constrict, narrowing the airways leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

How does my dog get Asthma?
In some cases, chronic inflammation from another condition, or prolonged exposure to airborne irritants, can damage the airways, in turn leading to more inflammation. In other cases, there is no obvious cause.

How do I know if my dog has Asthma?
Your dog may cough, sneeze, or wheeze. He may breathe with his mouth open. If you press on his trachea, he will usually cough. In severe cases, his gums and tongue may have a bluish tinge from lack of oxygen (in which case he will need emergency treatment). Because several other problems, some very serious, can cause these same symptoms, you need to have him checked by a veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will rule out heart problems and other lung problems by means of listening to his heart and lungs, taking radiographs, and checking for parasites.  She may collect samples from the tracheal to perform a bacterial culture.

What can I do about Asthma?
For emergencies in which your dog cannot catch his breath or his tongue or gums are turning blue, he needs emergency treatment with oxygen and drugs to help him breathe.  For long term care of moderate cases, you will need to remove irritating elements, such as cigarette smoke, from your dog's environment. Your veterinarian may prescribe oral or inhaled corticosteroids to decrease inflammation, as well as oral or inhaled bronchodilators to help open breathing passages. Your dog may need long term therapy.

Is there anything I can do to prevent my dog from getting Asthma?
Avoid exposing your dog to inhaled irritants.

Are there certain breeds that get Asthma more often?
The condition appears to occur with equal frequency in any breed.