Acute respiratory distress syndrome in dogs and cats - a review of clinical findings and pathophysiology

Amy E. DeClue, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Leah A. Cohn, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care 
17(4) 2007, pp 340–347

Unfortunately, current mortality rates for ARDS in small animals are close to 100%. As our capability to treat patients with advanced life-threatening disease increases, it is vital that we develop a familiarity with the pathogenesis of ARDS. Understanding the complex inflammatory interactions is essential for determining effective preventative and management strategies as well as designing novel therapies for veterinary patients.