Hypoxemia

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Hypoxemia is low levels of oxygen in arterial blood, resulting in inadequate oxygen supply to vital organs. It is a serious condition requiring urgent veterinary treatment. Deficiency in oxygenation can lead to anemia of the organs, resulting in permanent & irreversible damage, significantly to the brain & heart. Low levels of oxygen saturation are classed as less than 90%.

Symptoms include collapse, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), shortness of breath & difficulty breathing, heavy/rapid breathing, coughing, gagging, inability to exercise, pain, discolouration of mucous membranes & skin (cyanosis).

Causes include injury, lung diseases, pneumonia, heart disease, high altitude, anaesthetics. Lung & heart diseases are more common in older dogs. AIHA/IMHA – Severe Anemia can be a significant cause of hypoxemia because of the reduced numbers of red blood cells in the circulation which carry oxygen around the body in their hemoglobin, therefore reducing the amount of oxygen available to the tissues & organs. Dogs with a very low PCV/HCT will be very lethargic & pant a lot in an effort to get more oxygen around their body. It is advisable to keep dogs quiet & not encourage any exertion at all until an improvement in red cell levels/hemoglobin levels is seen.

Treatment: Your vet will be able to check blood gases & give oxygen treatment to help the heart & lungs. The underlying cause must be found & treated, if possible. Heart medication & diuretics may be given for cardiac problems. Any shock, bleeding or injury must be addressed by giving IV fluids & oxygen. Surgery may be necessary after stabilisation. Infections must be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Treatment for anemia AIHA/IMHA if diagnosed, including possible blood transfusion.

Please also see Hypoxia

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