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12-11-2006, 06:04 AM | #1 |
Mommy to Kikko-man Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: California/taiwan
Posts: 1,562
| getting freaked out ... breathing probs?!?! hi everyone, i'm starting to get really freaked out ... kikko is about 13 wks old and he's had some health problems already (i wasn't able to take him home for awhile b/c he got a cold that turned to pneumonia and had to be hospitalized) So I finally get him home, had him checked out by MY vet b/c I was still worried and he still is recovering from the pneumonia and is still on meds. NOW he's doing this weird snorting, dry heaving, hacking breathing. call me paranoid but i'm really starting to get freaked out. I've only had him home for 3 days! and he started this breathing/snorting/hacking thing tonite. I've checked if anything is obstructing his throat and its clear. I hope i'm just being paranoid, i just can't help it with all the things we've gone through already. I will call/see the vet tomorrow ... but its night time right now over here, and i need to have some idea of what's going on b/c i know im just going to keep worrying =( Last edited by camly; 12-11-2006 at 06:07 AM. |
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12-11-2006, 06:07 AM | #2 |
Donating YT 14K Club Member | Try massaging his throat to get him to swallow. I would have him checked for possible collapsed trachea. Yorkies are notorious for having this condition since their tracheas are so delicate. However, if your yorkie is having difficulties breathing, then he needs to get to a vet right now!
__________________ As always...JMO (Just My Opinion) Kimberley |
12-11-2006, 06:09 AM | #3 | |
Mommy to Kikko-man Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: California/taiwan
Posts: 1,562
| Quote:
i know! he seems fine when the episode is over but it really freaks me out! he's actually sleeping peacefully now, i've had him drink some warm water... but i'm trying to get a hold of our vet right now | |
12-11-2006, 06:10 AM | #4 |
Mommy to Kikko-man Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: California/taiwan
Posts: 1,562
| and a collapsed trachea!!! what happens if it is that?! ..... |
12-11-2006, 06:14 AM | #5 | |
Donating YT 14K Club Member | Quote:
http://www.peteducation.com/article....&articleid=410 Collapsed Trachea Race Foster, DVM Marty Smith, DVM Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. Collapsing trachea (or collapsed trachea) is a common condition that causes coughing in small and toy breeds of dogs. Let us start with an explanation of how the dog breathes, The respiratory system is basically comprised of the opening in the nose, the sinuses, the larynx (air passage containing the vocal cords), the trachea (wind pipe), the bronchial tubes, and the lungs. It has a dual purpose in the dog: to remove carbon dioxide from the body replacing it with oxygen, and to act as a cooling system. Since dogs do not have sweat glands they cannot perspire to lower their body temperature. By breathing faster, warm air from the body is exchanged with cooler air from outside. The act of breathing is accomplished by the actions of the rib muscle and the movement of a large internal muscle called the diaphragm. The diaphragm separates the chest from the abdomen. Movement toward the abdomen causes the pet to breathe in fresh air. As the pet inhales, fresh air moves through the nose and larynx to the trachea. This rigid tube is supported by tough rings of cartilage. It carries the air to the bronchi, which in turn supply the lungs. What is a collapsed trachea? The trachea is supported by tough rings made of cartilage. Occasionally, the trachea will lose its rigidity and collapse while the dog is breathing. For unknown reasons, the cartilage rings weaken and the trachea no longer has proper support. The collapsing trachea syndrome is most often seen in toy breeds, especially Toy Poodles over the age of five. What are the symptoms? The symptoms of this syndrome depend on the severity of the deterioration. Usually, the dog will have difficulty breathing, especially during exercise. The deeper the pet tries to inhale, the more the trachea collapses, further restricting air flow (similar to sucking on a straw too hard). The pet appears to tire easily as it becomes short of breath. Dogs with a collapsing trachea will generally cough as if trying to clear the airways, and occasionally this cough will sound like a goose honk. In very severe cases, the tongue and gums will appear blue as breathing becomes restricted. What are the risks? Most dogs suffering with the collapsed trachea syndrome live normal - but restricted - lives. Activity is generally limited because the ability to breathe deeply when exercising is hindered. Left untreated, the restricted air flow can put undue stress on the heart and lungs as they try to compensate for the inability to breathe properly. Obese dogs are at greater risk than others. What is the management? Examination with the fingers and radiographs (x-rays) will generally confirm the diagnosis. Depending upon the severity of the condition, medications will help. Veterinarians usually prescribe drugs to help dilate the airways. The coughing is controlled by cough suppressants such as Torbutrol. If the pet is obese, we suggest a stricter diet. Finally, activity should be restricted and not encouraged. Dogs with collapsing tracheas should wear harnesses instead of collars in order to take any pressure off of the trachea. With the help of medication and modification of lifestyle, the collapsing trachea can be controlled but seldom cured. In severe cases, surgery to help open the airways may be beneficial, but most cases are managed medically not surgically.
__________________ As always...JMO (Just My Opinion) Kimberley | |
12-11-2006, 07:19 AM | #6 |
Donating YT 30K Club Member | It sounds like the pneumonia/kennel cough that is still causing the coughing. WHnemy 2 had it it took 3 months to completely resolve. I did take CAli to the vet frequently to just check to make sure her lungs were clear. I hope everything turns out ok.
__________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html |
12-11-2006, 08:24 AM | #7 |
Mommy to Kikko-man Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: California/taiwan
Posts: 1,562
| yea ... i actually just got off the phone with the vet, and he said it was due to the pneumonia but to come see him first thing in the morning. i just know i won't be sleepign tonite. i'm still really worried. i've monitored his breathing and that's fine .. he sounds like a kid sleeping with a really stuffy nose. Patti - so your pup has a similar cough? thank you two for all you're info. it is very appreciated |
12-11-2006, 08:28 AM | #8 |
Izzy's Momma Too! Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Stuart, Florida
Posts: 8,799
| I hope that your baby feels better soon! My Luna had a horrible cough for the first couple of weeks we had her, it was a respiratory infection. Since your little one has pneumonia, I'm sure that's why the cough. Hugs to you both!!
__________________ Tracy, Mom to Izzy and Luna |
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