What are the common signs of bronchiectasis in dogs and cats?

Common signs include persistent or recurring cough, increased respiratory rate or wheezing, and reduced activity, sometimes with nasal discharge or fever. Consult your vet if symptoms worsen.

What tests are done at the clinic to evaluate bronchiectasis?

Common tests include a physical examination, chest X-ray, blood tests, and sputum culture; a chest CT scan may be arranged for more detailed imaging when needed.

What home care can help relieve my pet's symptoms?

Maintain clean indoor air and avoid smoke and other irritants, record symptom changes, and attend follow-up appointments as directed by your vet.

How often does bronchiectasis need follow-up imaging rechecks?

The follow-up frequency depends on the individual case; rechecks with repeat imaging or bloodwork are typically needed weeks to months after starting treatment, with the schedule adjusted based on the vet's assessment.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Bronchiectasis in Dogs & Cats: Chronic Cough, Chest Imaging & Care Guide [2025]

Bronchiectasis is the permanent widening of the airways, often secondary to chronic infection, requiring long-term treatment and management.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek immediate emergency care

•Persistent open-mouth breathing that cannot be relieved
•Noticeably blue or pale lips or gums
•Sudden unresponsiveness, collapse, or loss of consciousness

Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Frequent coughing that does not improve after several days
•Noticeably reduced exercise tolerance — tires easily or becomes breathless
•Recurring fever or unstable body temperature

01What symptoms indicate a problem?

Bronchiectasis in dogs and cats most commonly presents with persistent or recurring cough and breathing changes, which may be accompanied by fever, reduced appetite, and decreased energy. Seek veterinary assessment promptly when significant respiratory abnormalities appear.

Persistent or intermittent dry or productive cough, especially noticeable at night or after exercise
Recurring fever or temperature fluctuations accompanied by changes in energy or appetite
Increased respiratory rate, wheezing, or increased respiratory effort
Increased nasal discharge, or discharge that becomes thick or blood-tinged
Reduced activity, decreased exercise tolerance, reluctance to run or play, or lethargy

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Obvious breathing difficulty, respiratory distress, or inability to lie down comfortably
⚠️ Abnormal gum or lip colour (blue/purple or pale white)
⚠️ Altered mentation, collapse, or brief loss of consciousness

02How to assess changes at home: monitoring tips and when to go to an emergency clinic

Monitoring and recording symptom changes at home helps your vet quickly assess disease progression and treatment response; videos and a detailed timeline are especially valuable.

Measure and record temperature and respiratory rate at the same time each day
Film short videos of the coughing and breathing (front and side angles) to share with your vet
Log cough frequency, timing of episodes, and triggering situations (exercise, drinking)
Monitor changes in activity level, exercise tolerance, and food and water intake
Note when symptoms first appeared and record any worsening or improvement
If symptoms worsen rapidly, seek veterinary care as soon as possible

03How will the vet diagnose bronchiectasis? Common diagnostic tests

At the clinic, the vet will begin with a physical examination and, when needed, arrange bloodwork and imaging to identify evidence of infection or structural changes.

Physical examination

including auscultation, palpation, and respiratory assessment to identify abnormal breath sounds

Chest X-ray

to evaluate bronchial dilation, changes in lung markings, or concurrent infection

Blood and biochemistry panels

to assess systemic inflammation and organ function

Sputum or airway secretion culture

to identify bacterial or other pathogens

Chest CT scan

used when X-rays are inconclusive or high-resolution imaging is needed

04Treatment and care after diagnosis: medications, environmental adjustments, and care guidance

Treatment and follow-up depend on the underlying cause and severity, encompassing prescribed medications, environmental improvements, and scheduled imaging rechecks; cases that recur or are difficult to control require further specialist evaluation.

Medications are prescribed after veterinary assessment, with regular follow-up visits to monitor treatment response
When bacterial infection is present, medication may need to be adjusted based on culture results
Improve indoor air quality and avoid irritants such as smoke, strong perfumes, or dusty environments
Follow the vet's recommended schedule for rechecks including repeat imaging or bloodwork
If symptoms recur or worsen, referral to a specialist hospital with advanced imaging capabilities is recommended

05What to prepare before the vet visit: key information to help the vet identify the cause quickly

Bring video clips of the coughing and breathing (captured after exercise and at rest)

Write down breathing changes, exercise tolerance, and a timeline of symptoms

Note when symptoms first appeared and whether they are recurring or gradually worsening

List all current medications, supplements, and any known allergies

Bring or upload any previous X-rays or test reports if available

Consider calling ahead to book a clinic that can perform chest X-rays or advanced diagnostics

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.