Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

C h a p t e r
THE RESPIRATORY
SYSTEM
The upper respiratory system is made up of the nasal passages, throat, larynx,
and trachea (see the figure Anatomy of the Head on page 232). The bronchi
and lungs make up the lower respiratory tract. The breathing tubes branch
into progressively smaller passages until they open into the air sacs (alveoli).
The lungs are composed of the bronchi, air sacs, and blood vessels. The ribs
and muscles of the chest, along with the diaphragm, function as a bellows,
moving the air into and out of the lungs.
Abnormal Breathing
RAPID, LABORED BREATHING
A dog at rest takes about 10 to 30 breaths per minute. Breathing at a faster rate
suggests fever, pain, anxiety, or a problem with the lungs or chest. Rapid breathing
should be distinguished from panting. Panting is the primary way a dog lowers
her body temperature; water evaporates from the mouth, tongue, and lungs,
and warm air in the body is exchanged for cooler air in the atmosphere.
Rapid breathing, when accompanied by labored or difficult breathing, is a
sign of distress. Dogs with congestive heart failure and/or lung disease often
have rapid, labored breathing at rest or with only mild exertion. Other causes
of rapid, labored breathing are shock, heat stroke, dehydration, and ketoacidosis
associated with diabetes, kidney failure, and some kinds of poisoning.
Dogs with rapid, labored breathing should be seen by a veterinarian.
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