Pleurisy

Symptoms

Short cough, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, rapid shallow respiration and a reluctance to move and lie down. Rasping sound can be heard from the lungs.

Cause

Inflammation of the 'pleura' lining which covers the lungs and chest cavity. Associated closely with pneumonia.

Treatment

If veterinary advice is sought quickly, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories help to improve the situation and are essential for a complete recovery. Fluid from the chest may need to be drained, and secondary complications are common.