Bronchial cartilage hypoplasia

This condition presents early in life, usually causing severe respiratory distress.

Chylothorax

This condition is quite common. Clinical signs are the same as for other pleural effusions, dyspnoea being especially common.

Collapsed trachea

This condition can occur in young dogs with a severe form of the condition, or later in life in those less severely affected. Clinical signs include coughing and inspiratory stridor.Acharacteristic ‘goose-honk’ cough may be heard.

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula

This is a rare congenital communication between the bronchi and the oesophagus.

Feline asthma

Also known as feline bronchitis, allergic bronchitis. This condition can present withmild, chronic or acute, severe signs.Coughing and dyspnoea are seen.

Hypoplastic trachea

This is part of the brachycephalic upper airway syndrome.

Laryngeal paralysis

This condition is usually idiopathic, but may be related to generalized myopathies or neuropathies. Stridor, aggravated by excitement and exercise, is the main clinical sign, although severe cases may progress to cyanosis and collapse.

Lung lobe torsion

This rare condition is more common in large, deep-chested breeds. Presenting signs include dyspnoea and pleural effusion. There may be an accompanying chylothorax.

Malignant histiocytosis (see also Histiocytosis under Neoplastic conditions)

This disease is due to a proliferation of histiocytic cells. Respiratory signs, such as cough or respiratory distress, are seen, as well as anaemia, weight loss and neurological problems.

Nasal dermoid sinus cyst

This condition causes chronic nasal discharge. Complete surgical excision leads to a good prognosis.

Nasopharyngeal polyps

These polyps are uncommon but cause chronic respiratory disease.

Nasopharyngeal stenosis

This congenital condition occurs because of abnormally thickened palatopharyngeal muscles. Clinical signs include dyspnoea, dysphagia and salivation.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia

In this condition, the mechanism for removing mucus from the airways is defective, leading to respiratory infections. Other conditions associated with defective ciliary function include loss of hearing and loss of sperm motility, with consequent infertility.

Pneumonia due to Pneumocystis carinii

P. carinii is a protozoal organism, an infection which may result in pneumonia in the presence of immunosuppression (see also under Haematological/ immunological conditions).

Pulmonary interstitial fibrosis

This condition may be secondary to chronic respiratory disease, leading to the replacement of alveolar walls and lung interstitium with fibrous tissue. This leads to a reduced inspiratory capacity. Clinical signs of cough and exercise intolerance progress slowly.

Respiratory distress syndrome

This condition has been reported in related Dalmatians. Progressive pulmonary failure occurred, leading to death in 3weeks. No known risk factors for ARDS could be identified.

Spontaneous thymic haemorrhage

This may occur in young dogs at the time of thymic involution, and may be fatal.

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