Why does my 16 year old cocker spaniel keep coughing?

[Zelda1206]

My boy has had this horrible cough for almost a year. It sounds terrible. Very deep and almost like he's choking and trying to clear his throat. He's had an echocardiogram, results showed minor leakage from both valves (normal for his age as per the vet). Vet said he's allergic to something or a lung problem. All xrays normal. He put him on Theophyline twice a day and then added prednisone once a day. My boy became very hyper and panting terribly. Vet said cut prednisone down. So we are now at 1/4 pill daily of prednisone and theophylline twice a day. coughing getting worse. Does anyone have any ideas?

[specialmom]

ugh, I was going to say an allergy.  I would consider another vet visit to go over why the cough is worsening.  Long time steroid use in humans isn't good so imagine the same for a dog.  Let us know what happens, okay?