coughing Low Chen

[mser]

We have a 9 yr old Low Chen who for the past 2 weeks has been hacking and coughing almost constantly. He did have valley fever 2 years ago and was treated successfully and his titer is negative. He coughs but doesn't cough anything up-just sounds like he is going to choke or get something out. sometimes rubbing his throat gently and calming him down will make it quit but as soon as you stop he starts again. He is in otherwise good health. We do live in the High Desert in Central OR where we have "cheat" grass and other nasties he can get into. We have been told by vet that its not his lungs but that was before this recent episode of consistent cough. As an ex-nurse I am inclined to say look at his throat with a scope but is there an alternative tx we can try like good old fashioned vix or soothing drink? sounds silly but he is our special guy and he seems miserable dealing with this. Thanx for any advice. Steph

[mser]

I did call our vet yesterday and because Timmy had Valley Fever 3 years ago he is going in to be checked. He does sneeze a lot too so I wouldn't be surprised if its is allergies or just sticking his nose into places it shouldn't be like down dirt holes.I am going to make sure they check his heart and lungs. Believe it or not we put a little vix under his nose at night and he actually slept allmost all night last night. He has been to a groomer about 3 weeks ago but our other dog isn't sick at all. The vet tech said it could be kennel cough which is of course very contagious but without Cleo being sick we doubted that. Anyway thanx for the suggestions-he is going to be checked!

[Tigereye1]

Has he been around other dogs, at the kennel, dog park, groomers, dog show, around neighborhood dogs recently?

I would take him back to the vet if he is still coughing. It  could be an UTI/kennel cough and needs to be treated with antibiotics. If not, then it may progress into the lungs. Also immune boosting supplements will help.

There are SOME cough syrups you can give to dogs, but you have to be VERY careful of the ingredients and dosage, and it would be best to ask your vet which they recommend.

Another possibility is reverse sneezing.. This does sound like choking/gasping for air, it is nothing to worry about and is triggered by allergies..I have a hard time explaining what it sounds like, and end up imitating it for my clients, who then think I am very strange indeed ;) ask your vet/ vet tech about it, maybe they'll demonstrate it for you and you'll get a good laugh from it

Hope this helps :)

[peekawho]

We had a Dobe who did this, and it turned out it was early heart failure.  Has he had a recent chest xray, or cardiac echo?

[Misfits4Me]

Steph,  Have you had him checked for Heart Disease? If not, that's where I'd start........Karla