Managing the dyspnoeic patient

摘要

In this the first of a two part series Caroline Beckett RVN discusses common causes of dyspnoea in the dog and cat. This article focuses on causes of dyspnoea and the rationale for thoracocentesis.Dyspnoea can be caused by diseases affecting different areas of the respiratory system. Often dyspnoeic animals are very distressed and may present panting or open mouth breathing in the case of cats. Any patient with a Pa 02 <70mmHg on room air will benefit from supplemental oxygen and reducing stress is essential. However, if the lungs cannot expand efficiently for respiration due to the pleural space being compromised then oxygenation will not improve the patients saturation. Thoracocentes is indicated in restrictive diseases rather than obstructive causes for dyspnoea related to airway blockage. Table 1.1 outlines the common indications for thoracocentesis.