Worried about my pup. Any advise?
 

I just bought my baby Reeses last Saturday. As soon as I got him home, he started coughing. I took Reeses to the vet the next morning who said that it was Kennel Cough and prescribed Clavamox and a cough suppressant. I toughed it out until Friday and took him back because the coughing didn't seem to be getting better and I freak out about everything anyway. So after an Xray, the vet says that Reeses has pneumonia. She wanted me to leave him overnight, but I just couldn't do it. She gave him a shot of Baytril as well as a prescription and another for hydrocodone cough suppressant. It seems that his cough is getting a little better....as well as productive vs. in the beginning where he was getting anything up. He never stopped eating....so I guess I didn't let it get too bad. I am just worried. I have him in a room with a humidifier and I do the coupage atleast three times a day to try to loose things up. Anyone had an experience with this here? I am going to take him back again this weekend....just worried that there could be more that I could be doing. Anyone know how long it takes for things to clear up completely?????

I would probably advise you to hospitalize him. Pneumonia can be and usually is life threatening in a very small puppy.

Im so sorry your little guy is sick. I will keep him in my prayers.

I agree with yorkieusa, I would just go ahead and let the vets watch over him until he's back to 100%. Pneumonia is always a big danger especially in a young pup. I know it's tough to leave them there but it's the kindest thing you can do.. Besides, distance makes the heart grow fonder! ;) I hope your baby gets better ASAP!

:( I am so cashed out right now! I know money shouldn't be an object, but it's a big worry. I just bought Reeses Saturday and have had two vet bills in the matter of a week. They want $500.00 to leave him overnight. Is this reasonable? I am so scared.

Oh man!! I think $500 for an overnight stay is crazy!!! If you just got your baby then maybe you breeder should help out. Did he come to you sick? Hope everything works out and please keep us updated!

$500 on the table is ridiculous. I'd look for someone who is going to tell me how they would treat him (medically speaking).

I've been researching and found this article. Read it and perhaps it can help you. I'm really sorry this has happened to you.

I'm not really certain, but I don't think a humidifier is a good idea with pneumonia. Perhaps someone else knows more. Keep him warm, not hot.

Read this and perhaps you'll know more of what you're dealing with.

Keep us posted on what is happening? Perhaps we can help some way. :)

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...=13&A=1758&S=0

Well, the breeder has been a hot topic on this site(wish I would have read this before I bought a pup from him) and yes I feel the dog was sick before I purchased him. I really don't want to name name's because I want this post to be about advise for my baby and not about bashing this horrible man. I did notify the breeder each time the results from the vet. The first vet visit all he said was"All puppies get a cough. He will be fine." After the second vet visit when he was diagnosed with pneumonia, the breeder said " None of my pups are sick, not even a cough." So little help from the breeder. :(

$500 overnight where I am is NUTS! My sisters cat was left at the vets for 4 days on an IV and 24 hr watch and the bill was $400.

I was going to say that I've never heard of giving a cough suppresant to a doggie with KC and it most certainly shouldn't be given to one with pneumonia, because you want the stuff to be coughed up.

Thanks for article....This helped ease a tiny bit of fear....

"Treatment

The pneumonia patient may be in one of three states:

Stable (in other words, eating well and active despite a nasty cough. These patients can often be treated at home.)
Unstable (poor appetite, inactive, in need of hospitalization.)
Critical (unable to get enough oxygen into their systems. These patients require oxygen therapy and possibly 24 hour care.)

The goal is to get the patient stable enough for home treatment as several weeks are needed to fully clear pneumonia. When the patient is eating well, he or she may be discharged with oral antibiotics, a regimen of physical therapy, and a schedule for re-check radiographs (usually weekly)."

It answered a few questions :)

I know it can be tough with all the bills when money is stretched really thin but with babies as sensitive as ours frequent vet appt's are often times a gimmie. Maybe you should try and contact another reputable vet office in your area, explain his condition and ask about prices. Don't forget, there are no stupid questions so ask anything and everything you might think of. Keep us updated.

I have read the same thing about the cough suppressant, so I haven't been giving it to him that often......I think I am going to stop giving it to him all together. Just for two Xrays the othe rday it was $150.00....so you guys think I need to find another vet??? The $500.00 was suppossed to incluse the IV with antibiotics and fluids. Anyone know a good vet in the Dallas area?

Let us know how he is getting along and follow those directions. You now know what to look for in case he gets worse, but I think I'd be looking for a better doctor instead of one looking for a cash "dog".

I think you should have left him with the vet.....IF THERE WAS SOMEONE THERE TO CHECK ON HIM....during the night. The vet could monitor his oxygen intake and keep a close check on his lungs. BUT that being said.....it seems you are doing all you can at home.
Can you have the vet check him again before the weekend?? If so that would be good. The vet can check his lungs for progress or lack of progress.
HOWEVER.....Hydrocodone cough suppressant is a narcotic. Be extremely careful when dosing your puppy. Follow your vet's directions very carefully. The effect of hydrocodone in the dog is believed to last approximately 6-12 hours. It is typically dosed at four times a day usage or less (as needed). Emphasis here on as needed. There maybe side effects you should be aware of...... drowsiness or tranquilization, drying of respiratory secretions, constipation (if hyrdocodone is given chronically) or upset stomach.....these are all reasons to call your vet.
The only other thing I can think of was provided to me by my vet......get a new filter for you central air heat/cool system. Get a super germ remover type....they are made for people with allergies and will remove the tiny cough particules from the air.....he can reinfect himself with kennel cough....kennel cough is an air borne disease.
It is very very important you continue the antibotic even if he feels better.....you should NOT stop the antibotic until it's gone or until you vet tells you to stop....usually it is given for 10 or more days. Do not skip a dose....
Puppy should be fine.....seems you may have caught it in time...altho we do not know how long he has had the pneumonia....watch him carefully.
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