Don't use a vaporizer continually only about 15 to 20 minutes a couple of times a day. Here's some home care instructions for pneumonia. If the vet wants to perform a tracheal wash do some research first. This is a controversial procedure and can be fatal.
HOME CARE
Once the patient has a good appetite, he or she may be discharged for home care. The following tips are recommended as long as the patient is coughing:
Do not allow prolonged exposure to extreme cold or wet weather. Keep your pet primarily indoors.
Consider use of a vaporizer for 15-20 minute intervals a couple of times daily. If you do not have a vaporizer, leave the pet in the bathroom with the shower on to create a misty vapor.
Perform coupage (explained below) at least 4 times daily and allow light exercise to promote the cough.
Do not try to suppress the cough with over-the-counter cough suppressants. We want the infected material in the chest to be coughed up.
Use the antibiotics as directed. Expect several weeks to be required.
Know what you should return for re-check radiographs.
Physical Therapy
A technique called “coupage” is helpful at mobilizing respiratory secretions. The therapist’s hand is cupped and gently but rapidly taps the patient’s chest wall repeatedly. This loosens some of the deeper secretions and helps them move into airways. Material in the airway generates coughing which removes these materials from the body. Coupage should be performed at least four times daily and should be continued at home as long as the patient has a cough.
Light exercise is also helpful in mobilizing the respiratory secretions. The patient should not be over-exerted as he/she does not have normal lung capacity but one can use one’s judgement as to what level of exercise is tolerated by the patient. |