[jrsummersill1]

My yorkie mix, Sunshine, was finally officially diagnosed with collapsed trachea by our new vet. We had always suspected it, but her previous vets never offered to do xrays. Instead, they just treated her symptons. I wanted to know for sure and how bad it was as her coughing had increased recently. Her collapse is in her thoracic region, which I understand to be the worst place for it to be. To boot, it is a fairly long area of collapse. The vet put her on 1/2 Temaril-P twice a day, 1/4 Tussigon 2-3 times a day and 1/2 Aminophylline twice a day. Also, he put her on an antibiotic for a week (Zeniquin). She has been on Temaril-P for a year now anyway to control her itching; however, I had her down to 1/2 a tablet once a day. I know many people do not like to give steroids on a long term basis, but without it she literally itches herself until she bleeds. There have been no negative effects from the Temaril-P and if it keeps her comfortable at her age (approx 10 years old), I don't mind using it. My question, is have any of you had any successes or non-successes with these meds or a combo of them? The meds appear to be helping, even though there are alot of them. She is still coughing a little. She has been on Tussigon before for coughing, but I was not too impressed with it, but I am trying it again. Does anyone else know of a more effective cough medicine? Also, should I have oxygen handy at my house in the event of a severe attack? My worst fear is that she will get an attack that my cause her to suffocate and I won't be able to help her. I thank each of you in advance for any insights you can offer.