Introduction

The aim was to evaluate the tolerability and outcome of CPAP, in respiratory failure derived from cardiogenic (CPO) and non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (nCPO).

Objectives

This is a retrospective study. Dogs admitted and subsequently diagnosed with pulmonary oedema based on clinical findings, thoracic radiographs and ultra-sound, blood gas analysis were enrolled in the study. All dogs received treatment with CPAP. Treatment was continued intermittently.

Methods

In 12 months, 40 dogs were enrolled, 15 dogs had CPO, 25 dogs nCPO.

Results

Dogs with CPO had a median age of 11 y, median weight of 8 kg. Fourteen dogs had severe mitral valve disease, 1 dog dilated cardiomyopathy. The duration of CPAP treatment decreased with improving clinical findings, averaged 15.6 h/day for 2.6 days. In 85% clinical parameters (RR, blood gas analysis) improved with 30 minutes of treatment, radiographic signs improved with median of Sh treatment. The mortality rate was 40%. Dogs with nCPO had a median age 9 y, median weight 12 kg. Ten dogs were diagnosed with ALI/ARDS, 6 dogs with brachycephalic syndrome, 9 dogs with primary pulmonary hypertension. Forty percent of dogs showed improvement in clinical parameters (RR, blood gas analysis) with median of 30 min of treatment, 44% of dogs showed no improvement. Treatment was median 22 h/day for 2.2 days. The mortality rate was 63%. All dogs tolerated CPAP.

Conclusions

Respiratory failure due to pulmonary oedema is common. In this study CPAP was a good alternative to other oxygen delivery modalities; CPAP was well tolerated with a favourable outcome in patients with CPO.