Respiratory Distress

Clinical signs can include difficulty or laboured breathing, rapid breathing rates or gasping. It may occur acutely
or from exacerbation of underlying chronic disease.

Possible for respiratory distress can include:
• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
• Inflammation (Bronchitis, asthma)
• Infection (bacterial, lungworm, pyothorax, aspiration pneumonia)
• Tracheal collapse
• Trauma
• Laryngeal paralysis
• Cardiac disease
• Choking
• Cancer

Initial Stabilisation

Upon admission, oxygen supplementation and sedation to reduce anxiety and improve breathing rate and effort
are often administered. In life-threatening cases, placement of a breathing tube in the airway may be required
and oxygen provided via an anaesthetic machine. Intravenous fluid therapy and other drugs may also be
commenced at this time.

Diagnostic Testing

The following tests may be recommended depending on the case:
• Bloodwork – assessing blood cells, electrolytes and organ function
• Point of care imaging (brief emergency ultrasound of chest and abdomen)
• Thoracic and abdominal imaging (e.g. x-rays, CT, abdominal ultrasound)
• Upper airway examination
• Endoscopy (camera examination)

Treatment

Definitive treatment and prognosis depend upon the diagnosis obtained following testing. Our clinicians will
discuss this with you in consultation and during the hospitalisation period.