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Chronic canine bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is a long-lasting inflammation of the bronchi, the tubes that distribute air to the lungs. Their wall thickens, produces excess mucus, and the caliber of the tube reduces. We speak of chronic bronchitis when the cough has...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Chronic bronchitis is a long-lasting inflammation of the bronchi, the tubes that distribute air to the lungs. Their wall thickens, produces excess mucus, and the caliber of the tube reduces.

We speak of chronic bronchitis when the cough has lasted for at least two months without any other identified cause. It is a diagnosis of elimination: the veterinarian must first rule out the heart, an infection, a parasite, a foreign body or a tumor.

The cough itself maintains the inflammation, which maintains the cough: it is a vicious circle that must be broken.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Cough Difficulty breathing Rapid breathing Fatigue

A cough that lasts, daily, for weeks or months.

A cough that is often dry and hacking, sometimes followed by scraping or the return of white foam that owners mistake for vomiting.

Fits triggered by excitement, effort, pulling on the collar, cold or dusty air.

Progressive shortness of breath with exercise, a drop in endurance when walking.

Wheezing audible in marked shapes.

Apart from fits, a dog that remains lively, eats well and does not have a fever: this is what distinguishes chronic bronchitis from an infection.

In advanced forms, respiratory difficulty at rest and frank fatigue.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

In the majority of cases, no single cause is found: it is a chronic self-sustaining inflammation of the bronchial mucosa.

Irritant factors maintain the process: cigarette smoke, dust, litter and aerosol household products, incense, indoor perfumes, very dry air, pollution.

Repeated respiratory infections may have served as a starting point.

An allergic component exists in some dogs.

Other conditions frequently coexist and worsen the picture: tracheal collapse, heart disease, excess weight, poor dental health.

Middle to advanced age: the disease mainly affects adult and senior dogs.

Small breeds, often the same as those affected by tracheal collapse.

Overweight, which significantly aggravates shortness of breath.

Exposure to tobacco smoke: a dog living with a smoker is directly affected.

Dusty, poorly ventilated environments, or frequent use of aerosols and deodorants.

History of recurrent respiratory infections.

Wearing a collar rather than a harness.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The diagnosis is made by elimination, and this requires several examinations.

The chest x-ray evaluates the bronchi, the lung and the size of the heart: it is the first test to be done when dealing with a chronic cough.

A cardiac assessment, with ultrasound if a murmur is present, is essential because a cardiac cough and a bronchial cough are treated in opposite ways.

A stool examination or treatment test looks for lung parasites.

Endoscopy of the respiratory tract, under anesthesia, visualizes the mucosa and allows bronchial washing: cell analysis and culturing confirm the inflammatory nature and exclude infection.

A general blood test completes the assessment.

Once the diagnosis has been made, monitoring is based on the evolution of cough and exercise tolerance, noted at home.

Treatment

Environmental sanitation is the basis and comes before medications: total cessation of smoke in the home, removal of aerosols, indoor perfumes and incense, regular vacuuming, ventilation, litter boxes and low-dust products.

Switching to a harness is essential.

Losing weight often improves the dog dramatically.

Anti-inflammatories from the corticosteroid family are the most effective basic treatment: the veterinarian seeks the minimum useful dose and increasingly favors the inhaled route, using a mask and an inhalation chamber, which limits the effects on the rest of the body.

Bronchodilators may be used in some dogs.

Cough suppressants are used occasionally to break the coughs when they exhaust the dog.

Antibiotics are only indicated if an infection is demonstrated: chronic bronchitis is not an infection and treating them systematically is useless and promotes resistance.

Nebulization sessions and gentle, regular activity complete the treatment.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Do not smoke indoors or near the dog.

Limit dust, aerosols, air fresheners, scented candles and incense in the home.

Use a harness from an early age.

Maintain a healthy weight and regular physical activity.

Treat respiratory infections promptly and completely.

Keep vaccinations up to date and prevent lung parasites as recommended by the veterinarian.

Never let a cough develop that lasts: the older the inflammation, the more difficult the bronchial lesions become to regress.

Possible complications

Permanent and irreversible dilation of the bronchi, which promotes repeated infections.

Regular bacterial superinfections.

A collapse of the bronchi, which worsens shortness of breath.

Mutual aggravation with associated tracheal collapse or heart disease.

In the long term, pain in the right heart linked to chronic respiratory effort.

Possible side effects of corticosteroids taken systemically for a long time - hence the interest in the inhaled route and the minimum effective dose.

When to see a veterinarian

Your dog has been coughing for more than two weeks, although he remains sharp.

His cough returns every day or prevents him from sleeping.

He runs out of breath more quickly than before on walks.

He has fits that exhaust him or make him pass out.

He is breathing quickly or with effort at rest: consult quickly.

His gums become gray or bluish: immediate emergency.

He is already being monitored and his cough is getting worse despite treatment: the protocol must be re-evaluated.

Prognosis

The disease is chronic and has no cure, but it is well controlled in the majority of dogs.

With a clean environment, controlled weight and appropriate treatment, many dogs cough little and maintain a good quality of life for years.

The prognosis is less favorable when irreversible bronchial lesions have set in, or when heart disease or tracheal collapse are added.

Success depends heavily on the application of hygiene measures at home, as much as medications.

Frequently asked questions

My dog coughs then produces white foam: is he vomiting?

No, it's almost always a cough followed by a clearing of the throat, with the expulsion of mucus. It is very characteristic of bronchial diseases and often confused with vomiting. Describe the scene precisely to your veterinarian, or film it: this is very useful information.

Does cigarette smoke really have any effect?

Yes, and it's one of the few factors you have complete control over. Smoke permanently irritates the bronchial mucosa and maintains inflammation. Smoking outside with the window open really changes the course of the disease.

Are corticosteroids dangerous in the long term?

They are very effective but have side effects when taken systemically for a long time. This is why the veterinarian seeks the minimum useful dose and often suggests the inhaled route with a suitable chamber, which acts on the bronchi by limiting exposure to the rest of the body.

Do we need antibiotics for each flare-up?

No. Chronic bronchitis is not an infection. Antibiotics are only justified if an infection is demonstrated, ideally on a bronchial sample. Giving them systematically is ineffective and promotes the appearance of resistant bacteria.