What happens when a dog’s lungs fill with fluid? A Complete Guide

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What causes pulmonary edema in dogs?

There are two distinct types of causes of pulmonary edema in dogs: cardiogenic pulmonary edema and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema means that a heart condition has lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs of your dog. Issues related to cardiogenic pulmonary edema include:

  • Enlarged heart
  • Incorrectly functioning heart valve
  • High sodium diet
  • Thickening of heart walls

    • A variety of conditions can lead to noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs, including:

  • Electrocution
  • Heartworm
  • Pneumonia
  • Anemia
  • Smoke inhalation
  • Secondary diseases, including cancer
  • Toxins such as snake venom
  • Near drowning
  • Hypoproteinemia (insufficient protein in the dog’s blood)
  • Airway obstruction

    • What are the causes of pulmonary edema in dogs?

    There are two distinct groups of causes of pulmonary edema in dogs, cardiogenic pulmonary edema and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.

    Cardiogenic pulmonary edema means that your dog is experiencing a heart condition which is leading to a buildup of fluid in the lungs. Issues linked to cardiogenic pulmonary edema include:

  • Thickening of heart walls
  • Incorrectly functioning heart valve

    • There are a range of conditions that can lead to noncardiogenic pulmonary edema in dogs, such as:

  • Hypoproteinemia (too little protein in the dogs blood)
  • Obstruction of the airway
  • Secondary diseases such as cancer
  • Smoke inhalation
  • Electrocution
  • Near drowning
  • Toxins including snake venom
  • Pneumonia
  • Anemia
  • Heartworm

    • What are the symptoms of pulmonary edema in dogs?

    The symptoms of pulmonary edema will vary based upon the underlying cause of the condition, however the most common symptoms in dogs include:

  • Coughing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Crackling noises when taking a breath
  • Open mouth breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Weakness
  • Blue tongue or lips
  • Collapse
  • Distended jugular vein
  • Rapid breathing

    • If your dog is showing any of the symptoms listed above contact your vet immediately to book an appointment. In cases where your dogs lips have begun to turn blue, emergency veterinary care is required. Visit your vet as quickly as possible, or in the Huntersville area bring your pet to see our emergency vets at Carolina Veterinary Specialists for urgent care.

    Fluid in the Lungs in Dogs | Wag!