Why is my dogs chest swollen? Here’s the Answer

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Causes of Fluid in the Chest in Dogs

Fluid in the chest in dogs is a relatively common complication. There are a plethora of reasons that can lead to the accumulation of fluids; some of which are listed below:

  • Hydrothorax – liver disease, malnutrition, malabsorption, right-sided heart failure, burns, chronic hemorrhaging, protein-losing nephropathy (kidney disease), protein-losing enteropathy (intestinal disease).
  • Chylothorax – cancer, chronic vomiting, diaphragmatic hernia, twisted lung lobe, blood clot in chest veins, congenital defects.
  • Hemothorax – trauma, lymphoma, pulmonary and chest wall tumors.
  • Pyothorax – penetrating wounds, infection, pulmonary thromboembolism, heartworm, pneumonia, esophageal disease, complications from an underlying condition such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

    • Symptoms of Mid-Chest Inflammation in Dogs

    Inflammation of the canines mediastinum tends to have the same symptoms regardless of the cause. Some signs that your dog may be suffering from inflammation of their mediastinum may include:

  • Chest pain
  • Coughing
  • Difficulty breathing, particularly on the in breath
  • Excessive drooling
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Unusual vocalizations
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss

    • Types

    Mid-chest inflammation has a number of triggers and symptoms can either appear suddenly or may take longer to develop, depending on the underlying cause of the condition.

  • Acute – When the symptoms develop quickly it is known as acute mediastinitis, and this is more likely to be due to perforation of the esophagus, certain types of bacterial infection, and from postoperative complications
  • Chronic – Symptoms of chronic mediastinitis may appear more gradually than when the condition is acute and is frequently accompanied by visible swelling and vocal changes when it is caused by neoplasia, although chronic mediastinitis can also be triggered by stubborn fungal infections

    • Diagnosis of Mid-Chest Inflammation in Dogs

    The initial visit with your veterinarian is likely to start with a full physical evaluation, most likely with a focus on the chest region, also known as the thoracic area. The thoracic area may be difficult to compress, and the animal may exhibit pain when palpated. Standard blood tests such as a complete blood count and biochemical profile will help to detect if there are a larger number of leukocytes present, indicating an infection as well as identifying if there are any additional imbalances, such as anemia.

    In most cases, radiography and ultrasound imaging will be employed in order to get a clearer view of the patients thoracic cavity and the extent of the swelling and damage. This may also expose perforations in the dog’s esophagus or masses like neoplasms and cysts that are located in the mediastinum. The examiner will take samples of any masses that are found in the mid-chest region as well, and a biopsy will help determine if they are made up of cancer cells.

    Dog With Swollen Chest ,

    Pleural effusion in dogs happens when there is a buildup of fluid in the area of the chest known as the pleural cavity, which is the sterile space surrounding the lungs and heart. When this occurs, it can put pressure on a dog’s lungs and make breathing difficult.

    The condition can develop when the pleural cavity doesn’t absorb enough fluid or when too much fluid is being produced. Sometimes vets can find pleural effusion at regular checkups, but most often it isn’t found until dogs show symptoms of respiratory distress.

    If you see the signs of pleural effusion in your dog, then you must consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for pleural effusion in dogs.