Acute respiratory distress syndrome in dogs: what is ARDS and how to treat it

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in dogs is a serious medical emergency. But what causes it and how can pet parents prevent it?

Let's take a look at everything you need to know.

What is acute respiratory distress syndrome in dogs?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in dogs is a serious illness that can develop due to inflammation in the lungs or elsewhere in the body.

The inflammation causes fluid to leak into the lungs, leading to poor oxygenation. This condition is also known as “shock lung.”

ARDS can be caused by an infection of the lungs (pneumonia) or blood (sepsis), or by inflammation caused by an underlying disease, such as pancreatitis, or by trauma, such as an internal injury from hitting a car.

This syndrome is considered a medical emergency because ARDS is extremely dangerous and often results in death.

Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Dogs

Symptoms of ARDS in dogs include:

Causes of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Dogs

ARDS in dogs can develop as a result of lung damage or severe inflammation elsewhere in the body.

Direct lung injury can occur from pneumonia, near drowning, or inhalation of smoke from a house fire. Aspiration pneumonia, which can develop if a dog accidentally inhales stomach contents, food or liquid, is the most common lung disease leading to ARDS in dogs.

Systemic (body-wide) inflammation is another possible cause of ARDS in dogs. Dogs that develop sepsis (a bacterial infection of the bloodstream) can develop ARDS, which can be fatal.

ARDS can also develop several days after a major trauma. This is sometimes seen in dogs with multiple fractures or other serious injuries after being hit by a car, kicked by a large animal, or falling from a height.

Other sources of inflammation, such as snake bites, electric shock, and significant burns, can also lead to the development of ARDS in dogs.

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is another serious condition that can develop as a result of inflammation such as that caused by pancreatitis, an immune-mediated disease, or cancer.

SIRS can lead to multiorgan failure and ARDS in dogs. Simply put, severe inflammation can lead to serious secondary conditions that can have life-threatening consequences.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Dogs

To diagnose ARDS in dogs, a veterinarian will start with a physical exam.

It is important to notify your veterinarian if your dog has suffered recent trauma or injury that is not immediately obvious. They will look for signs of sudden respiratory distress, because breathing difficulties caused by ARDS develop quickly (within 24 to 72 hours).

If your veterinarian suspects ARDS, he or she may recommend the following tests:

• Pulse oximetry. This non-invasive test, which involves placing a clip-shaped sensor on your dog's tongue or ear flap, determines how well your dog's lungs supply oxygen to the blood.

• Echocardiography. An echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, may be recommended to rule out heart damage and ensure that the fluid in your dog's lungs is not due to congestive heart failure.

• Blood gas measurement. After taking an arterial blood sample, a veterinarian can measure the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your dog's blood to determine the extent of lung damage. Due to the severity of ARDS, your family veterinarian will likely refer you to an emergency or referral hospital with specialized veterinarians who can perform this test.

Treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Dogs

Treatment for ARDS in dogs focuses on addressing the underlying cause while simultaneously providing supportive care.

If your dog's ARDS was caused by an underlying infection in his lungs or body, he will receive antibiotic injections while he is hospitalized.

If your dog survives ARDS, he may be sent home on oral antibiotics, such as:

Follow all label directions and contact your veterinary team immediately if your dog's condition appears to worsen.

Supportive care is essential during ARDS treatment.

It is important to understand that the syndrome is serious and many dogs do not survive. Affected dogs require 24-hour care and must be hospitalized with 24-hour oxygen support. Additionally, fluids and nutrition may be administered via IV lines and/or feeding tubes.

Anti-inflammatory medications, such as nonsteroidal or steroidal injectable medications, may be given in some cases.

Unfortunately, there is no single medication to treat ARDS in dogs.

Lung involvement is often severe enough that a ventilator is needed to help affected dogs breathe. For this reason, treatment for ARDS is usually expensive and often heartbreaking.

Recovery and Management of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Dogs

Although ARDS in dogs usually carries a serious prognosis, a small percentage of dogs will successfully recover and be discharged from the hospital.

It is important to understand that your dog's lungs will take several weeks to heal from inflammation and damage.

When your dog comes home, it is important that he gets enough rest and is kept in a calm environment. Avoid any stressful stimuli, such as multiple visitors or interaction with other animals who may want to play and fight.

Limit time spent outdoors and exercise to short walks for bathroom breaks.

Avoid exposure to inhaled irritants, such as air fresheners, diffusers or cigarette smoke.

Talk to your veterinarian about supporting your dog with probiotics, such as FortiFlora, to improve gut health after hospital medication.

This can be especially helpful for dogs who have been given antibiotics, which can disrupt their normal gut bacteria.

Some dogs may benefit from medications that reduce the risk of stomach ulcers after an attack of ARDS.

Omeprazole or sucralfate may be recommended for several weeks while your dog recovers.

These diets can be mixed with water to form a fine slurry and are administered through a feeding tube. They are also very tasty and high in calories, which is helpful for dogs with reduced appetites.

Alternatively, if pancreatitis is a problem, your dog may need to follow a low-fat diet for the rest of his life.

The Purina EN Gastroenteric Low Fat diet and Hill's i/d Low Fat are excellent choices for these pups.

Prevention of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Dogs

Preventing ARDS in dogs can be tricky because, like most traumas, it can occur when you least expect it.

To minimize the risk of aspiration pneumonia in your dog, treat any cough or illness immediately. See a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice that your four-legged family member is not feeling well.

Use a leash when taking your dog out of a fenced area.

This can help reduce the risk of being hit by a car.

Make sure your home is equipped with smoke detectors, outlet covers, and cord covers (like the Protecto Chew-Proof Cord Protector) for basic safety.

Avoid giving your dog fatty treats or allowing him access to scraps or garbage.

People who smoke have a significantly higher risk of developing ARDS than those who don't smoke, and this risk factor likely exists for dogs as well.

If you use tobacco, smoke outside your home and do not smoke near your dog. Always make sure your home is well ventilated to protect them and their health.