Wet cough in my yorkie puppy - 2 months of treatment and counting... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

kaynkay · 08-23-2012, 03:02 PM

Hi there everyone,

I am so thankful for this site...I have been reading for years, and today is the first time I have posted! I've had vorkies for 20 years, and currently have a puppy Sazzy who is 8 months old and my 4 year old yorkie Dixie.

I brought Sazzy home from the breeder when he was 6 months old, he came home June 10th. He is a big boy, and weighted 5 lbs when we brought him home. He seemed healthy and was in good spirits. All shots, well known breeder, gorgeous boy. He went to the vet within 48 hours, and set the date for getting fixed the following week. His 3rd day home (1 day after the vet) I took him to be groomed.

2 days later he began coughing. It kept getting worse and I became concerned about kennel cough. According to his chart, he had his inoculation when he was young - so I was not terribly worried about that. But sure enough, I took him to go see my vet (for 5 years) and he was diagnosed with Kennel Cough. We gave him an updated inoculation, and he was put on antibiotics (doxy I think). 2 more weeks and it was sounding worse. I took him in again and we took some X-rays - bronchitis. OK, change to amoxycillian and now on prednisolone and hycodin. That was 6 weeks ago. He recently finished his cycle of prednisolone after stepping off for a long time, on his 2nd bottle of amoxycillian, and he still has this wet, productive cough in the morning.

He has energy, he eats, and loves to run around. However, he clearly has distress in the morning with his coughing fits and occasionally has coughing during the day. I am just beside myself wanting this to be over after 2+ months of antibiotics and sickness for him!

He is currently off the prednisolone and I have been giving him Delsym (kids cough meds per the vet) since I was concerned the hycodyn was suppressing the cough when clearly the phlegm needed to get out...along with his antibiotics...and it is still active!

Anyway, I am thinking I need to take him to the vet (again!) and see about what is going on, what the prognosis is for this cough, and how we can accelerate his recovery! I am concerned about continuing with the prednisolone given it is making his toilet training really hard and increasing his hunger and he is now 6+ lbs! Im concerned and am not sure what course to take at the vet tomorrow. Another antibiotic for the bronchitis? More x-rays? I'm so concerned for this poor little guy and just want him to be well so that he is happier (though he is a happy guy to be sure).

Any suggestions or experience with this would be so helpful. I have considered homeopathics, alternative treatment - I'm willing to try what will work. My vet has briefly mentioned a trachea wash though he does not like it because it is invasive...I think I read somewhere that yorkies cannot get the phlegm out of their lungs so that makes coughs hard to treat. Please advise.

Thanks to all of you yorkie mums out there...we do love our babies don't we.
Thank yo, thank you, thank you.

Yorkiemom1 · 08-24-2012, 04:13 AM

Stay on top of it....you are being deligent,which is good, because it can slide right into pneumonia. Your vet may want to try a different antibiotic, and increase the dosage and or frequency of administration. I would have another chest xray done, just so you will know for sure where you stand with the congestion in the lungs...is it getting better?...is it worse?...of course, I dont know if I would have given the vaccine for kennel cough when the baby was already infected with the disease...that could have made it worse, as I know several of my dogs have developed upper respiratory infections that took several months to clear up, following administration of that nasal vaccine.....I hate that stuff! Your other Yorkie is susceptable for getting it too from Sazzy, if HER vaccine is not up to date! Highly contagious!

Wylie's Mom · 08-24-2012, 08:07 AM

The very MOST important thing right now is to continue to prevent progression to pneumonia, which it sounds like you're already doing. Sadly, kennel cough in puppies can take 12 weeks+ to resolve. You do want to suppress some of that cough, esp at nighttime - bc you want him to get restful sleep.

I would got back on the Hycodan - or did the vet recommend switching off to the childrens cough med? The hycodan sounds much better to me...you really do want some suppression there.

kaynkay · 08-27-2012, 06:17 AM

Hi there,

Went to the vet again on Friday and we seem to have some progress. We took new film and the bronchitis seems to have lessened somewhat. We are trying a different antibiotic - Zenquin. Still keeping up with the Delsym, though 2 times a day now instead of one. I also added some homeopathics for cough. We also checked for collapsing trachea and any heart issues and those are ok (tg!)

Over the weekend I was worried because he actually seemed to be coughing more, not less and he had gross yellow eye goo - that suggested to me that the antibiotics were not working as well. This morning, however, he seemed to be slightly better. We'll see.

We are trying this aggressive approach for the next 8 days, and then we'll see where we are. If this continues - we'll see an internist. Poor little guy!!

Thanks for your comments and suggestions!

mimimomo · 08-27-2012, 12:07 PM

What is 'inoculation'? I understood it as giving a kennel cough vaccine? I've learned/ read that you're not supposed give them the bordatella vaccine if they're already sick w/kennel cough as it can worsen the condition. Just putting it out there just in case someone that doesn't know this reads it.

Did you try a humidifier @ night & taking him in the shower/ let him sit in the restroom to breathe in the warm steam in the morning helps too. I hope Sazzy will feel better real soon!

kjc · 08-30-2012, 11:11 AM

Possibly got water in his lungs from the groomer... I would have a C&S done. Why the pred? That would suppress his immune system, and make the vaccine not as effective if at all. Seeing a specialist is a great idea too. I wouldn't put it off too long.

Sometimes allergens can cause congestion, like air freshners (esp Glade Plug-ins, shampoos, etc).

Praying your little one gets better soon...

kaynkay · 09-11-2012, 02:32 PM

Well we enter the next month of this illness. We finally took Saz off of the antibiotics on Saturday, and his cough came right back. He is still taking Delsym and homeopathics, but we are not seeing relief.

I talked to the vet today and he is wondering if we should do a tracheal wash to determine what type of bacteria / fungus / whatever is present. We have tried 3 types of antiobiotics, prednisolone, and I just dont know what to do. I have never had such a sick puppy and it breaks my heart.

He has energy, eats, and is overall a happy guy - but his cough is back and I am worried about ti getting worse or causing long-term damage to his system. I just dont know what to do...Please let me know if you all have any thoughts on this. Thanks so much!

lynzy420 · 09-11-2012, 03:53 PM

I didn't read all the posts, but have you had a consultation with an allergist? I think an allergist may be a good idea and/or cardiologist. My Mia has a wet cough at times and its due to cardio problems. I AM NOT SAYING this is the case with yours but I would start the process of elimination...again, I've not read all posts just my immediate thought.

mimimomo · 09-12-2012, 12:52 PM

So sorry he's not feeling any better. Momo came to me @ 8 weeks old (it was a 'got to save him!' situation where I had to get him out of there or he would've likely been hurt or worse, cause his death) & he had nasal drips which developed into kennel cough. I didn't know he was sick when I 1st got him, so took him to Petco to get his round of shots (since it was due). Well, he got full blown kennel cough which lasted 3 months, countless vet visits to 4 different vets & many antibiotics! The only thing that worked was upping his dose of amoxicillin to 1ml from .05ml. He was only about a #, but all the vets I spoke to said it was ok & it worked. He stopped coughing after about 2-3 doses @ 1ml. It felt like a miracle! I don't know if this kind of case (upping the antibiotic dose) is recommend for Sazzy, but thought I'd share my experience in kennel cough that lasted a long time...maybe you can discuss it w/your vet. All the best to you & Sazzy!

mimimomo · 09-12-2012, 01:36 PM

I can't remember the exact dosage of the antibiotic, but what I do remember was that it was significant, could have been more than double amount. So @ 1st, I wasn't sure if it was going to hurt him or damage his GI tract in some way (long term). The vets assured me that it was ok...Momo is 5 yrs old now & doesn't have any major health problems but he will occasionally get tummy gurgling sounds & soft poopie @ the end in the evenings. Idk if it's got anything to do w/the upload of anitibiotic intake when he was a pup. He also doesn't get the bordetella vaccine & I chose not to vaccinate him or all my other yorkies, but to titer every 3 years.

kaynkay · 09-25-2012, 11:53 PM

Thanks for all of the good ideas and feedback. We have a plan that includes:
1) De worming incase this is lungworm (a problem in England, not so much stateside from what I can tell)...if that does not work -
2) A mix of antihistamines with Pred...if that does not work -
3) Trip to internist - if that does not work -
4) Sub tracheal wash to determine what, if any, bacteria that are in the lungs.

It is tough because the little guy has so much energy in the daytime...just coughy baby in the morning and a bit through the day. We are continuing with Delsym at night (kids AF cough syrup).

Keep those ideas coming...thanks to everyone!
-K

kaynkay · 09-25-2012, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynzy420

I didn't read all the posts, but have you had a consultation with an allergist? I think an allergist may be a good idea and/or cardiologist. My Mia has a wet cough at times and its due to cardio problems. I AM NOT SAYING this is the case with yours but I would start the process of elimination...again, I've not read all posts just my immediate thought.

Trhanks for this feedback..this was my initial thought was perhaps some type of COPD or CHF - the vet says that he looks great, no murmur, etc per xrays. I hope that is, in fact, the case.

We'll see. Thanks again for the suggestion

Verbena · 09-26-2012, 03:41 AM

Just wanted to say sorry to hear about your pup and I hope he is better soon

kaynkay · 09-27-2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Verbena

Just wanted to say sorry to hear about your pup and I hope he is better soon

Thanks Verbena, that is so kind. I just got home from a long day at work and he is jumping around like a maniac

kaynkay · 10-08-2012, 07:40 PM

Well Sazzy went in today for a tracheal wash and a bronchoscope. We'll know the results of the wash in a few days. On the scope the doc said there was only extra mucus in the lungs. The doc said to come and pick him up & he was great. My husband went to get him and then walked in the door and said that they had to keep him because he was vomiting. The internist is connected to the ER. I freaked a bit and called - of course the internist had gone home. The ER doc said he was on oxygen and was alert. 15 min ago the vet called and said that Sazzy had X-rays and had aspiration pnemonia. He's being put on antibiotics and they are going to ween him off oxygen. Poor little guy. I'll call in a few hours to see how he is doing. I'm so worried...

08-23-2012, 03:02 PM	#1
kaynkay Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 11	Wet cough in my yorkie puppy - 2 months of treatment and counting... Hi there everyone, I am so thankful for this site...I have been reading for years, and today is the first time I have posted! I've had vorkies for 20 years, and currently have a puppy Sazzy who is 8 months old and my 4 year old yorkie Dixie. I brought Sazzy home from the breeder when he was 6 months old, he came home June 10th. He is a big boy, and weighted 5 lbs when we brought him home. He seemed healthy and was in good spirits. All shots, well known breeder, gorgeous boy. He went to the vet within 48 hours, and set the date for getting fixed the following week. His 3rd day home (1 day after the vet) I took him to be groomed. 2 days later he began coughing. It kept getting worse and I became concerned about kennel cough. According to his chart, he had his inoculation when he was young - so I was not terribly worried about that. But sure enough, I took him to go see my vet (for 5 years) and he was diagnosed with Kennel Cough. We gave him an updated inoculation, and he was put on antibiotics (doxy I think). 2 more weeks and it was sounding worse. I took him in again and we took some X-rays - bronchitis. OK, change to amoxycillian and now on prednisolone and hycodin. That was 6 weeks ago. He recently finished his cycle of prednisolone after stepping off for a long time, on his 2nd bottle of amoxycillian, and he still has this wet, productive cough in the morning. He has energy, he eats, and loves to run around. However, he clearly has distress in the morning with his coughing fits and occasionally has coughing during the day. I am just beside myself wanting this to be over after 2+ months of antibiotics and sickness for him! He is currently off the prednisolone and I have been giving him Delsym (kids cough meds per the vet) since I was concerned the hycodyn was suppressing the cough when clearly the phlegm needed to get out...along with his antibiotics...and it is still active! Anyway, I am thinking I need to take him to the vet (again!) and see about what is going on, what the prognosis is for this cough, and how we can accelerate his recovery! I am concerned about continuing with the prednisolone given it is making his toilet training really hard and increasing his hunger and he is now 6+ lbs! Im concerned and am not sure what course to take at the vet tomorrow. Another antibiotic for the bronchitis? More x-rays? I'm so concerned for this poor little guy and just want him to be well so that he is happier (though he is a happy guy to be sure). Any suggestions or experience with this would be so helpful. I have considered homeopathics, alternative treatment - I'm willing to try what will work. My vet has briefly mentioned a trachea wash though he does not like it because it is invasive...I think I read somewhere that yorkies cannot get the phlegm out of their lungs so that makes coughs hard to treat. Please advise. Thanks to all of you yorkie mums out there...we do love our babies don't we. Thank yo, thank you, thank you.

08-24-2012, 04:13 AM	#2
Yorkiemom1 Rosehill Yorkies Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 9,462	Stay on top of it....you are being deligent,which is good, because it can slide right into pneumonia. Your vet may want to try a different antibiotic, and increase the dosage and or frequency of administration. I would have another chest xray done, just so you will know for sure where you stand with the congestion in the lungs...is it getting better?...is it worse?...of course, I dont know if I would have given the vaccine for kennel cough when the baby was already infected with the disease...that could have made it worse, as I know several of my dogs have developed upper respiratory infections that took several months to clear up, following administration of that nasal vaccine.....I hate that stuff! Your other Yorkie is susceptable for getting it too from Sazzy, if HER vaccine is not up to date! Highly contagious! Last edited by Yorkiemom1; 08-24-2012 at 04:15 AM.

08-24-2012, 08:07 AM	#3
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	The very MOST important thing right now is to continue to prevent progression to pneumonia, which it sounds like you're already doing. Sadly, kennel cough in puppies can take 12 weeks+ to resolve. You do want to suppress some of that cough, esp at nighttime - bc you want him to get restful sleep. I would got back on the Hycodan - or did the vet recommend switching off to the childrens cough med? The hycodan sounds much better to me...you really do want some suppression there. __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

08-27-2012, 06:17 AM	#4
kaynkay Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 11	Update - wet, productive cough. Hi there, Went to the vet again on Friday and we seem to have some progress. We took new film and the bronchitis seems to have lessened somewhat. We are trying a different antibiotic - Zenquin. Still keeping up with the Delsym, though 2 times a day now instead of one. I also added some homeopathics for cough. We also checked for collapsing trachea and any heart issues and those are ok (tg!) Over the weekend I was worried because he actually seemed to be coughing more, not less and he had gross yellow eye goo - that suggested to me that the antibiotics were not working as well. This morning, however, he seemed to be slightly better. We'll see. We are trying this aggressive approach for the next 8 days, and then we'll see where we are. If this continues - we'll see an internist. Poor little guy!! Thanks for your comments and suggestions!

08-27-2012, 12:07 PM	#5
mimimomo Don't Litter Spay&Neuter Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Posts: 9,874	What is 'inoculation'? I understood it as giving a kennel cough vaccine? I've learned/ read that you're not supposed give them the bordatella vaccine if they're already sick w/kennel cough as it can worsen the condition. Just putting it out there just in case someone that doesn't know this reads it. Did you try a humidifier @ night & taking him in the shower/ let him sit in the restroom to breathe in the warm steam in the morning helps too. I hope Sazzy will feel better real soon! __________________ Jenny Mimi Momo Princess Turbo Madan Pin Brush: www.toplinepet.com

08-30-2012, 11:11 AM	#6
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,866	Possibly got water in his lungs from the groomer... I would have a C&S done. Why the pred? That would suppress his immune system, and make the vaccine not as effective if at all. Seeing a specialist is a great idea too. I wouldn't put it off too long. Sometimes allergens can cause congestion, like air freshners (esp Glade Plug-ins, shampoos, etc). Praying your little one gets better soon... __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

09-11-2012, 02:32 PM	#7
kaynkay Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 11	Well we enter the next month of this illness. We finally took Saz off of the antibiotics on Saturday, and his cough came right back. He is still taking Delsym and homeopathics, but we are not seeing relief. I talked to the vet today and he is wondering if we should do a tracheal wash to determine what type of bacteria / fungus / whatever is present. We have tried 3 types of antiobiotics, prednisolone, and I just dont know what to do. I have never had such a sick puppy and it breaks my heart. He has energy, eats, and is overall a happy guy - but his cough is back and I am worried about ti getting worse or causing long-term damage to his system. I just dont know what to do...Please let me know if you all have any thoughts on this. Thanks so much!

09-11-2012, 03:53 PM	#8
lynzy420 Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: USA Posts: 7,652	I didn't read all the posts, but have you had a consultation with an allergist? I think an allergist may be a good idea and/or cardiologist. My Mia has a wet cough at times and its due to cardio problems. I AM NOT SAYING this is the case with yours but I would start the process of elimination...again, I've not read all posts just my immediate thought. __________________ The Above advice/comments/reviews are my personal opinions based on my own experience/education/investigation and research and you can take them any way you want to......Or NOT!!!

09-12-2012, 12:52 PM	#9
mimimomo Don't Litter Spay&Neuter Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Posts: 9,874	So sorry he's not feeling any better. Momo came to me @ 8 weeks old (it was a 'got to save him!' situation where I had to get him out of there or he would've likely been hurt or worse, cause his death) & he had nasal drips which developed into kennel cough. I didn't know he was sick when I 1st got him, so took him to Petco to get his round of shots (since it was due). Well, he got full blown kennel cough which lasted 3 months, countless vet visits to 4 different vets & many antibiotics! The only thing that worked was upping his dose of amoxicillin to 1ml from .05ml. He was only about a #, but all the vets I spoke to said it was ok & it worked. He stopped coughing after about 2-3 doses @ 1ml. It felt like a miracle! I don't know if this kind of case (upping the antibiotic dose) is recommend for Sazzy, but thought I'd share my experience in kennel cough that lasted a long time...maybe you can discuss it w/your vet. All the best to you & Sazzy! __________________ Jenny Mimi Momo Princess Turbo Madan Pin Brush: www.toplinepet.com Last edited by mimimomo; 09-12-2012 at 12:54 PM.

09-12-2012, 01:36 PM	#10
mimimomo Don't Litter Spay&Neuter Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Posts: 9,874	I can't remember the exact dosage of the antibiotic, but what I do remember was that it was significant, could have been more than double amount. So @ 1st, I wasn't sure if it was going to hurt him or damage his GI tract in some way (long term). The vets assured me that it was ok...Momo is 5 yrs old now & doesn't have any major health problems but he will occasionally get tummy gurgling sounds & soft poopie @ the end in the evenings. Idk if it's got anything to do w/the upload of anitibiotic intake when he was a pup. He also doesn't get the bordetella vaccine & I chose not to vaccinate him or all my other yorkies, but to titer every 3 years. __________________ Jenny Mimi Momo Princess Turbo Madan Pin Brush: www.toplinepet.com

09-25-2012, 11:53 PM	#11
kaynkay Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 11	Still working on that cough Thanks for all of the good ideas and feedback. We have a plan that includes: 1) De worming incase this is lungworm (a problem in England, not so much stateside from what I can tell)...if that does not work - 2) A mix of antihistamines with Pred...if that does not work - 3) Trip to internist - if that does not work - 4) Sub tracheal wash to determine what, if any, bacteria that are in the lungs. It is tough because the little guy has so much energy in the daytime...just coughy baby in the morning and a bit through the day. We are continuing with Delsym at night (kids AF cough syrup). Keep those ideas coming...thanks to everyone! -K

09-26-2012, 03:41 AM	#13
Verbena Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: with my flying monkeys Posts: 15,620 Blog Entries: 7	Just wanted to say sorry to hear about your pup and I hope he is better soon

10-08-2012, 07:40 PM	#15
kaynkay Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 11	Well Sazzy went in today for a tracheal wash and a bronchoscope. We'll know the results of the wash in a few days. On the scope the doc said there was only extra mucus in the lungs. The doc said to come and pick him up & he was great. My husband went to get him and then walked in the door and said that they had to keep him because he was vomiting. The internist is connected to the ER. I freaked a bit and called - of course the internist had gone home. The ER doc said he was on oxygen and was alert. 15 min ago the vet called and said that Sazzy had X-rays and had aspiration pnemonia. He's being put on antibiotics and they are going to ween him off oxygen. Poor little guy. I'll call in a few hours to see how he is doing. I'm so worried...