Aa
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!
Best Answer
Two more cough related tips:
Anyone smoke in the house? This will cause the respiratory cough...Can just be on your clothes or hands to trigger it...
My Vet told me this one.....If you feed your dog in the kitchen by the refrigerator, the dust mites that blow out from under from the fan, are inhaled by the dog while eating...They start coughing after they eat & then off and on the rest of the day....NO, i'm not kidding!!!!!!!!!!
Anyone smoke in the house? This will cause the respiratory cough...Can just be on your clothes or hands to trigger it...
My Vet told me this one.....If you feed your dog in the kitchen by the refrigerator, the dust mites that blow out from under from the fan, are inhaled by the dog while eating...They start coughing after they eat & then off and on the rest of the day....NO, i'm not kidding!!!!!!!!!!
thanks Karla but I will understand if you can't get back! I appreciate any info!
Please, check back in tonight......I have some ideas that may be helpful before you go to the Vet......I have been out of town today with a sick husband (Drs. appointment)......I have to be somewhere right now,too.....I'm trying every way possible to get back with you.....
Unfortunately, I have excessive knowledge on different coughs. ;) Talk to you soon.........Karla
Unfortunately, I have excessive knowledge on different coughs. ;) Talk to you soon.........Karla
we go back tomorrow after 10 days of meds. I thank you all for posting and please if anyone else has any ideas- let me know!
I have an Afghan Hound rescue about 12 years old. She has had a dry "hairball" sounding cough for several months now. Laterly it has become more frequent. She has bouts where there could be 10 or more coughs per session. When we mentioned this to our vet, he did not seem so concerned. I am worried that it is becoming to frequent. Could this be the same problem?
Xcessiveny
Xcessiveny
You are reading content posted in the Dogs Community
Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
Ooh and aah your way through these too-cute photos of MedHelp members' best friends
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
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............