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dog is coughing- vet says heart problem?????
I took my dog to the vet last week. He had a skin tag and a cough. The Vet put him on an antibiotic to see if we could clear it up. We are on day 9 of 10 with his meds and the cough seems worse. It is a heaving/hacking cough- kind of like he could vomit. It is not constanct. He is able to sleep, acting pretty normal and is eating fine. BUT the Vet said if it has not cleared up- he might have heart issues and will need an x-ray. In all of the research I have done, that is not mentioned. Paracites, infection, fungus all get mentioned- but I have not seen any other source mention heart issues. Anyone else been through this? Thanks!
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Hello ARY...Please let us know what you find out......My fingers are crossed for you, too! Karla
Hi, great info on the coughing situation. I just went through the same situation. I have a 10 1/2 yr old shitz tzu. He has had a cough for quite a long time. Mostly when I pick him up to go up the stairs, or when he rough houses. Long story short, I had him to emergency care at 3 a.m until 6 a.m. Xrays, were performed but no blood test. He said in the xrays his lungs were filled with fluid and there was water around a part of his heart. He suggested an echo with my reg vet. He also gave him an injection of antibiotic, lasix. Took him to my Vet the next morning and a blood test was performed...doctor said his blood was excellent. He saw a slight enlargement of the heart. Tomorrow he will performed an echo. Keeping fingers crossed. Oh, also, he was was throwing up mucous and blood which the emergency dr. attributed to his gagging.
Welcome..In a 15 yr. old, I would first suspect AND rule out Heart Disease.....Next, When was his last Heart Worm Test?
What has your Vet ruled out so far? The above would be the first 2 to check out......Then go from there.....Karla
What has your Vet ruled out so far? The above would be the first 2 to check out......Then go from there.....Karla
good morning I am having the same issue with my 15 yr old shitzu poodle, he has had a cough like symtoms dry cough as if he needs to bring some thing out... It's hard to watch your little puppy cough.. Any suggestions,
My 13 year old six and a half pound Affenpinscher has had some issues with coughing for a few months. We went to the vet last week and he put her on a round of antibiotics and antihistamines. We saw the Collapsing Trachea and a slightly enlarged heart on one side on the first x-ray. The vet was not worried about the heart.
Seven days later the Trachea was open, however, the heart was twice the size (both sides). The vet put her on heart medication and kept her on the antihistamine and says she has congestive heart failure :(
Could the doubled heart be from the stress of the Baytril antibiotic? They did have her straining to pee with a huge need for water? Today was the first day without the Baytril and she seems to be feeling much better... no straining to pee or the great need for water.
Please let me know of any wisdom you have!
Seven days later the Trachea was open, however, the heart was twice the size (both sides). The vet put her on heart medication and kept her on the antihistamine and says she has congestive heart failure :(
Could the doubled heart be from the stress of the Baytril antibiotic? They did have her straining to pee with a huge need for water? Today was the first day without the Baytril and she seems to be feeling much better... no straining to pee or the great need for water.
Please let me know of any wisdom you have!
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With Heart Disease, the weak heart cannot pump as well...Fluid builds into the lungs causing the cough..The cough is usually MOIST like they're choking on congestion...Actually, they are...The cough is worse in the mornings & during periods of running, playing & excitement....Fluid will show in an xray.....
Heart Disease is NOT a death sentence.....It's rather common in dogs! Dogs can live many ,many years on medications just like humans can.....Meds. to improve function of the heart & also lasix to clear fluid from the lungs......An EKG or ECG can detect what part of the heart is having a problem.....They usually run around $100.....Some Vets will suggest this test, some will not...THey will just go ahead and treat...
Next- Kennel Cough- This is a virus and antibiotics will do nothing.....Cough syrup is very necessary to help this run it's course.....Lasts a few weeks & the cough is excessive!!!!
Collapsing Trachea- Common in small breeds- This cough is more like choke-gasp, choke/gasp....It sounds like a goose honking....Meaning like when your sucking through a straw & it collapses. Like it kinda sticks then opens, etc. It is actually doing just that.....The trachea collapses then opens back up...This ailment is treated by weight control & Medications for lung disease....Cough meds, bronchial dilaters, Asthma meds., steroids when necessary, etc.
Respiratory Diseases cause coughing....Asthma & Bronchitis are treated with the same meds as Trachea Collapse. This is more of a dry cough with wheezing at times or both....With this, sometimes the Heart shows enlargement,but it is not a Heart Problem! It's from lack of oxygen through the respiratory system.....Steriods are useful as needed for allergy season that can be a trigger.....Dust mites in the house affect this alot (Especially in the winter when the heat is on and the house is closed up tight).......It seems they breath better outside.....Something else: Dust Mites in DRY dog food alone can trigger this.....This disease can be controled for years once you know what to do.....
There's a common cough called A "Reverse Sneeze"...You can google it to know what it sounds like.....I can't describe it....It kinda sounds like all the above, dammit!!! ;) Although it sounds awful, it's really harmless.....Lots of dogs do it their whole life...
Then of course, Heartworm Disease will cause a cough....ALso will show an enlarged heart....Will be seen on an xray....Can be ruled out with a blood test...
OK, good luck tomorrow...I hope you get it all figured out....Please come back and let us know what happens.....If I think of anything else, I'll let you know....Karla
P.S. I'm still surprised that your Vet did not prescribe Cough Syrup for a dog that was brought in for a cough!!!!!!
Oops.....I just thought of another one...Post Nasal Drip will cause a cough...As the fluid trickles down the back of the throat....It tickles....Thus the cough! The throat & tonsils will be red and irritated if this is what your dealing with....Can be worse during periods of excitement, also.....This is usually allergy related or can be linked to Stress...I know that sounds impossible, but it can happen......Take care............