Diagnosed with Pneumonia
 

I've been searching in the different posts, but couldn't really find an answer to my question or concern.
Last weekend I had to take my Merlot in to the ER et after picking him up at doggie camp. He had been there 3 days because I was outta town. He was lethargic when I picked him up and was told that he had been vomiting clear. He wound up staying at the ER for 2 days on fluids and antibiotics. They said that he had dehydration and colitis, a stomach condition that was caused by stress. He recovered and was fine for 2 days. Then I started noticeing sneezing, caughing, gagging and breathing issues. After about a day of that I took him to the ER again. They did xrays and bloodwork and determined it was pneumonia. They gave him fluids under his skin and now I have him at home with me on antibiotics. The ER closes from 8am until noon (it's 530am now) so I'm supposed to bring him back at noon. Our regular vet is closed weekends.
My question is, has anyone had experiences with pneumonia or know what I can do to make him more comfortable? Poor baby is breathing so uncomfortably and can't sleep. Also, if you have had experience with it, what can I expect in the next few days? I'm just sooo worried.
Any help would be appreciated.

How about making a cool steam tent. This worked for bronchititis for my skin kinds when they were babies, maybe it will work for your little guy..good luck and I wish a quick recovery for your furbaby

I agree with Brenda, my babies haven't had Pneumonia yet, but I did twice as a child. Ended up in the hospital in an oxegen tent. Cool mist. All I remember about that it was sooooooo cold, & I could breath easier.

Thanx ladies. I beleive the vet told me when I bring him back today they were gonna do some type of steam breathing treatment for him. In the meantime I will try and set up my own makeshift one here.

I hope your baby is better soon

I've seen dogs rebound with pnemonia - but it can take a long time - If he is home - then it must be a mild case ....which is a good thing !!

GOOD LUCK:)

Good luck on setting up your cool mist vaporizer. They sell them at most drug stores and retail outlets. Hope your baby gets better soon.. wishing you and your baby the best.:)

I hope Merlot gets better soon!

I hope your baby gets better.

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.

Poor little baby! I hope he gets better and recovers quicly! I'll say a prayer and Maddie sends get well kisses!

Sending well wishes to little Merlot for a speedy recovery. Hopefully the vaporizer will help the breathing.

getting better
 

Thanx everyone for your support and suggestions! It really really helped. I took Merlot back this afternoon as the vet ordered to have him admitted again, but once she checked him, she thought that he didn't need to stay overnight. They gave him some Hills prescription food because he had not been eating all morning and vomiting, more antibiotics, meds to settle his stomach and suggested I continue vaporizing if his breathing get's bad again. Everyone was so right on in their advice. Man I appreciate it! Early mornings and late nights with sick little ones can be scary.
I happened to be on my way to work, so I had to take him with me. They don't allow that, but I didn't ask. I just showed up with him. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. He started eating at work and even got a little fiesty. His breathing is much better, so I am hopefull. :animal36

Glad he's doing better!

I am very happy that he has improved. :D