Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs
Key takeaways
Canine chronic bronchitis (CCB) is defined as irritation of the lungs causing cough for a minimum duration of 2 months, in the absence of any other respiratory disease.
- Inflammatory changes in the lungs lead to more mucus production, which leads to cough, leading to even more inflammation and mucus production
- Potential causes include previous respiratory illnesses and exposure to irritants such as perfumes and cigarette smoke
- Obese dogs are at higher risk of chronic bronchitis
- Chronic bronchitis is diagnosed by a process of elimination, excluding other causes of chronic cough; many tests may be conducted in this process
- Treatment is focused on symptomatic relief, and is tailored to the individual dog
- Some trial and error in reaching a good treatment plan is expected
- Prognosis is good once an effective treatment plan is implemented
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A closer look: Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs
There may be variation in the character or frequency of cough, but to be considered CCB, the cough must be daily or near-daily, with a duration of at least 2 months. Dogs with CCB may also have a low fever.
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Risk factors
Chronic coughing with no obvious cause is a concerning symptom and warrants prompt veterinary attention. There are many potential causes of cough, and all need medical care. CCB is the most common cause of chronic cough in dogs.
CCB may lead to bronchiectasis, a condition in which the airways of the lungs become permanently widened, leading to mucus buildup and making the lungs vulnerable to infection.
Small and toy breeds are at increased risk of developing CB.
Main symptoms
The primary symptom of CCB is a cough lasting more than 2 months. This is usually more severe after rest, change of environment, or at the beginning of exercise
Most dogs with CCB have a generally normal state of health, with cough being the only symptom.
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnosis requires a process of elimination to rule out other causes of chronic cough. Physical exam and history are important. Tests may include:
- Bloodwork
- Urinalysis
- Heartworm antigen testing
- Fecal analysis
- Diagnostic imaging
- Bronchoscopy (a scope to look at the airway)
- Airway sampling (for microscopic evaluation and/or culture)
- Lung function testing
Steps to Recovery
When other causes of chronic cough have been excluded, treatment is geared toward alleviating symptoms. Treatments include:
- Eliminating air-borne irritants from the environment
- Minimizing barking
- Limiting physical activity
- Using a harness rather than a collar
- Nebulization (a mist/steam to loosen airway secretions)
In addition to medications such as
- Anti-inflammatories
- Steroids
- Bronchodilators
- Cough suppressants
As the name suggests, chronic bronchitis is a long-standing condition. It is an ongoing airway change that leads to inflammation that is unlikely to be cured. Treatment is geared towards managing the symptoms. In otherwise healthy dogs, the prognosis for quality of life is good.
Prevention
Chronic bronchitis is not contagious, however, some of the precursors can be. For example, canine infectious tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough) is highly contagious and can lead to chronic bronchitis. Transmission can be minimized by vaccination and avoiding contact with dogs of unknown vaccine status.
Maintaining ideal body weight helps reduce the impact of obesity on overall health, including the lungs. Minimizing chemical irritants (cigarette smoke and perfume) can help prevent further airway irritation. Keeping up with regular check ups, vaccination schedules, and routine parasite control helps to reduce the likelihood of developing chronic conditions and increases the chance of early detection and treatment, which maximizes positive outcomes.
Is Chronic Bronchitis in Dogs common?
CCB is not common but it is the most common cause of chronic cough in dogs.
Typical Treatment
- Limiting exposure to irritants
- Obesity management
- Limiting activity
- Limiting barking episodes
- Replacing neck collars with harnesses
- Anti-inflammatories (steroids)
- Bronchodilators
- Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections
- Cough suppressants
- Mucolytics
- Nebulization (mist/steam to loosen airway secretions)
