Bronchiectasis
Don’t be intimidated by this big technical term. You will recall that last week we discussed pneumonia. Now, if one follows the therapeutic regime, which I advised last week, the secretions associated with pneumonia will be removed from the lungs. Of course, the body’s own defence mechanism also allows the natural processes to help defeat the ailment. However, a severe bout of pneumonia can lead to some serious persistent consequences.
Bronchiectasis is the name given to the condition (chronic lesion) in which one (or more) of the bronchial tubes becomes dilated and sack-like. This occurs below the point where the obstruction in the breathing tube is situated. This sack-like dilation is irreversible and allows a greater possibility for secondary infection.
These sack-like expansions of the air-tubes trap mucus (slime) produced by the inflammatory process. This collection of slime represents as ideal nutritive ‘broth’ for the proliferation of bacteria. This bacterial settlement expands and destroys the walls of the air tubes.
Symptoms
* Continuous cough which does not react to short-term antibiotic treatment.
* The sputum (the coughed up material) may have pus in it.
* Fevers develop and then decline and then return with greater ferocity.
* Animal loses condition and weight.
Treatment
Really, only your vet, with the assistance of laboratory facilities, can make any therapeutic impact. One should try to establish which antibiotic (lab culture of phlegm/sensitivity test) is best suitable in the individual case. The antibiotic involvement must continue over an extended period, even as much as two weeks and more.
Supportive therapy (rest, good food, keeping the fever down, fluids, etc) is most essential.
So, I think we have exhausted those ailments associated with the respiratory tract. Let us now commence discussion on a new theme, namely, Ailments of the blood circulatory system.
Ailments of the blood circulatory system General comments
The blood circulatory system comprises (i) the blood itself, (ii) the heart, which pumps the blood throughout the body, and (iii) the blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) through which the blood flows.
The main functions of the circulating fluid blood are (1) to supply the cells of all the body organs with water, electrolytes, nutrients and hormones, and (2) to remove waste products. The red cells supply oxygen to the organs; the white blood cells protect the body against invading agents; and special cells (platelets) help in the coagulation process, thus preventing the animal from bleeding to death, if the blood vessels get ruptured.
Next week we will discuss more about the heart and its functions.
Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.
