a regular viral infection. Diagnosis When a pet is examined with suspicion of pneumonia, the veterinarian will first listen to the lungs and watch for any abnormal sounds. If the pet shows typical lung noises for pneumonia, a complete blood count will be done which helps to determine the origin of the pneumonia. If the number of white blood cells is increased and the oxygen is low, pneumonia can be confirmed. The exact indicators of pneumonia can also be determined with the help of the blood count. If the neutrophils are increased, there is a bacterial infection, but if the eosinophils are increased the infection is parasitic. Increased neutrophils and monocytes indicate a fungal infection. Chest x-rays are another diagnostic tool to determine the origin of pneumonia. Treatment In order to exclude a mistreatment, it is urgently necessary to determine the exact cause of pneumonia. To determine the location and type of treatment, the diseased animal is classified into one of the three conditions called stable, unstable and critical. If the pet eats and drinks normally and only coughs slightly, it is in a stable condition and can be treated at home without hesitation. For home treatment, the pet is given antibiotics as pills. It is important not to expose the pet to wet and cold weather conditions. Inhalation and the application of the coupage technique favour the quick and complete healing of the pet. It is necessary to have regular check-ups with the veterinarian in order to adjust the treatment and prevent complications. If the pet is neither active or has an appetite the pet is classified in an unstable state and must be treated in a clinic. If the pet is treated in a clinic, it will be given antibiotics intravenously to maximise the absorption of the drug. Tracheal cleansing can aid recovery and, in combination with inhalation, shorten the duration of recovery. Once the pet has reached a stable condition and regained its appetite, treatment is continued at home. If the pet has significant respiratory problems it is classified as critical. In this condition, an oxygen therapy is urgently required. Permanent monitoring in a clinic is also necessary and x-rays and blood counts must be taken at regular intervals to check the condition. The initial goal is to stabilise the patient and then continue with treatment at home. Prognosis With the right treatment and adherence to the