Management of Common Respiratory Emergencies

Upper airway obstruction is a life-threatening condition that may require aggressive intervention. Dogs and cats with severe upper airway obstruction can present in respiratory distress with marked inspiratory and likely expiratory stridor. Animals can be cyanotic and hyperthermic. The signalment of the animal can be very helpful in determining the potential underlying cause. Older large-breed dogs, particularly Labrador retrievers, can have acute exacerbation of laryngeal paralysis, while middle-aged toy or small breed dogs can be suffering from tracheal collapse. Brachycephalic breeds presenting in respiratory distress have Brachycephalic Airway Obstructive Syndrome (BAOS) until proven otherwise. Young cats can have nasopharyngeal polyps, while laryngeal paralysis or masses can occur in middle-aged to older cats ...