Edema in Dogs (Symptoms, Causes & Treatment)

Edema in dogs can be a concerning issue for pet parents. It can be scary when you see a fluid accumulation, swelling, or discomfort. If your dog is swollen in a new place, contact your vet for the next steps.

Understanding the signs, causes, and available treatment options for edema is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your dog. Keep reading to learn more about edema in dogs, what it is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

• What is Edema?
• Symptoms of Edema in Dogs
• What Causes Edema in Dogs?
• Diagnosis & Treatment
• Final Notes

What is Edema?

Canine edema is the same as it is in humans — edema is a medical condition in which fluid abnormally accumulates in the body's tissues and leads to swelling and discomfort.¹ This excess fluid buildup can occur for various reasons, and understanding the different types of edema in dogs is crucial for the right diagnosis and treatment.

Types of canine edema you might see include:

• Peripheral edema: Peripheral edema affects the limbs, particularly the legs, and is commonly observed as swollen paws or ankles in dogs. In a study, researchers found that conditions like inflammation of blood vessels, blockages in the lymphatic system, and low levels of a protein called albumin are common causes of edema in dogs' legs.²
• Pulmonary edema: A pulmonary edema happens when fluid accumulates in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and wheezing.³
• Ascites: This refers to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, causing distention and discomfort. Various conditions, including liver disease or heart failure, can cause it.⁴
• Cerebral edema: Cerebral edema involves swelling of the brain tissue and can result from trauma, infections, or other underlying health conditions.⁵

Symptoms of Edema in Dogs

When dogs have edema, they'll show noticeable signs that may help vets identify the underlying cause. Keep an eye out for several symptoms, such as:

• Swelling: The most obvious sign of edema is swelling. If your dog is swelling in their legs, belly, or face, those areas might look puffy or larger than usual. Facial swelling is a common sign of trauma, infections, allergic reactions, and tumors, all of which can lead to edema and more complicated symptoms.
• Weight gain: Since edema causes fluid buildup, your dog might gain weight rapidly, even if they're not eating more than usual.
• Trouble breathing: If swelling is affecting your dog's chest, throat, or airways, they might have trouble breathing normally. You might notice them panting or breathing heavily.
• Reduced energy: Dogs with edema might seem more lethargic because of the discomfort or underlying health issues. They might not want to play or go for walks like they used to.
• Changes in appetite: Dogs who don't feel well often don't eat like they normally do. Keep an eye on your dog's eating habits for a clue into their health.
• Discomfort: Dogs with edema might show signs of discomfort, such as whining, whimpering, or licking at any swollen areas. Depending on the location of the canine edema, they might also have trouble lying down comfortably.¹

What Causes Edema in Dogs?

An edema in dogs can occur due to a variety of underlying medical issues. Understanding the causes of this swelling is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Some potential causes of edema in dogs include:

• Heart disease: One common cause of edema in dogs is heart disease, specifically conditions that affect the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. When the heart fails to pump blood, fluid can accumulate in the body's tissues, leading to edema. This type of edema is known as cardiac edema.¹
• Kidney disease: Another contributor to edema in dogs is kidney disease. The kidneys regulate the body's fluid balance by filtering waste products and excess fluids in the bloodstream. When the kidneys are damaged or not functioning correctly, fluid can build up, resulting in renal edema.¹
• Liver disease: Liver disease can also lead to edema in dogs. The liver produces proteins that help maintain fluid balance in the body. When the liver is damaged or diseased, it may not produce enough proteins, leading to fluid retention and hepatic edema.¹
• Infections and inflammatory conditions: Infections and inflammatory conditions can cause localized or generalized edema in dogs. For example, bacterial infections can lead to inflammation and fluid accumulation in affected tissues. Inflammatory conditions can also result in edema.¹
• Trauma and injury: Trauma or injury, such as fractures, sprains, or blunt force trauma, can cause localized edema in dogs. When tissues are damaged, inflammation occurs as part of the body's healing response, leading to swelling and fluid accumulation in the injured area.¹
• Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to foods, medications, insect bites, or environmental allergens can trigger reactions in dogs. These reactions can cause systemic effects, including edema, due to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators in the body.⁶
• Cancer: Cancerous tumors can also contribute to edema in dogs. Lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and other malignancies can lead to edema by disrupting normal fluid drainage mechanisms in the body.⁷

Diagnosis & Treatment

Treatment for canine edema requires a proper diagnosis. Edema is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of an underlying condition, so effective treatment depends on identifying and addressing the root cause of fluid accumulation.

To diagnose edema in dogs, your vet will use a variety of techniques:

• Medical history and physical exam: First, your vet will review your pet's medical history and perform a physical examination. Gathering information about the dog's clinical signs, duration of symptoms, recent traumas or injuries, medication history, and any underlying health conditions can provide valuable insights into the potential causes of edema.
• Diagnostic imaging: Imaging studies such as radiographs, CT scans, or MRIs may be recommended to evaluate the extent of fluid accumulation and identify any underlying health issues, such as organ dysfunction.
• Lab tests: Depending on what your vet believes to be the underlying cause of your dog's edema, they'll perform a series of laboratory tests, ranging from complete blood count (CBC) to urinalysis and tests for infectious agents.¹

Once your vet has determined the diagnosis, they'll create a treatment plan to alleviate symptoms, improve fluid balance, and address the underlying cause of canine edema. Of course, the specific treatment approach will depend on the type of edema and contributing factors involved.

First, your vet will treat the underlying conditions. For instance, a dog with congestive heart failure may require medications to improve cardiac function, reduce fluid retention, and alleviate symptoms of edema. Meanwhile, a dog with liver disease may require dietary management, other types of medications, and antibiotics if an infection is present.

Various medications may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and manage complications associated with edema in dogs. These can include anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, or medications to control blood pressure or hormonal imbalances.

In some cases, surgery may be required to address underlying health conditions like tumors.

However, general edema may be treated more simply with a diuretic to eliminate extra fluid in the body.⁸

Even after your dog's edema is gone, you'll need to visit your vet for follow-up care to ensure your dog's response to treatment, monitor disease progression, and adjust medications or treatment protocols as needed. Many underlying diseases that contribute to edema in dogs are long-term, so that's something to keep in mind when working with your vet.

Final Notes

Edema in dogs can be a distressing concern, but understanding its signs, causes, and treatment options can help you ensure the health of your furry companion. Diagnosis of canine edema is complex because so many underlying conditions can cause it. However, once diagnosed, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying conditions contributing to edema, whether it's heart disease, kidney disease, infections, trauma, or anything else.

Your vet can devise a treatment plan for your dog to alleviate symptoms and improve their overall health. However, treatment doesn't stop there. Even after your dog's symptoms have cleared up, regular follow-up care is essential to monitor their health, adjust medications, and manage any long-term ailments that can lead to edema.