Vetnews March 2021: Management of Respiratory Disease in the Dog and Cat

Introduction

Respiratory diseases in dogs and cats can be classified into primary (a specific abnormality of the respiratory system) and secondary (often as consequence of cardiac disease). In order to understand the indications for and the action of various drugs used in the treatment of respiratory disease, an understanding of normal respiratory physiology is important. Poly-pharmacy (multiple drug usage), which gives minimal consideration to drug interactions, patient characteristics, the underlying disease process, or possible drug consequences, should be avoided.