Kennel Cough?

Question

Hello,
I have a 10yr Golden/Lab which may have Kennel Cough and his doctor is having 2nd thoughts because his throat doesn't appear to be sore and he doesn't cough or gag when touched. The doctor put him on a amoxicillin tablet and a cough suppressant which seemed to help, but didn't clear it up. He wants me to see an internist and I really can't afford it. I need some kind of home remedy that won't hurt him or some advise to whether my doctor has some validity to what he is telling me.

Joe

Answer 1

Kennel cough

Kennel cough is most commonly associated with a bacterial infection caused by the organism Bordetella bronchiseptica. While it is hard to be certain in veterinary medicine when discussing statistics, it is estimated that 80 to 90% of the cases of kennel cough are due to this organism. The other 10 to 20% of cases are caused by a variety of other infectious agents, most of them viral. Kennel cough has been associated with parainfluenza virus, adenovirus and canine distemper virus as well as the Bordetella bacteria.

The incubation period from the time a dog is exposed until clinical signs appear varies depending on which infectious agent is the cause. In general it appears to be about 3 to 5 days with Bordetella. The infection tends to be mild except for a very harsh cough that often prompts owners to think that their dog "has something caught in his throat". In some dogs it can lead to pneumonia or more serious signs. Cough suppressants can be used to control the cough and antibiotics may be necessary for stubborn infections or to try to stop the spread of the bacteria in multiple dog households. It is probably a good idea to vaccinate dogs who will be exposed to large numbers of other dogs, such as at shows, obedience classes or the classic cause -- when left in kennels. The intranasal vaccine is pretty fast acting, providing some protection in as little as 5 days. The injectable version of the vaccine may provide longer immunity, though. Some vets use both to get maximum protection. We don't use either one routinely but give the intranasal vaccine to our patients who will be exposed to groups of dogs.

http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/dekcough.html

Answer 2

I understand about not being able to afford it, IF it was kennel cough your vet's first remedy should have cleared it up, if he thinks there's something that requires further treatment, then that's probably NOT what it is... I know not helpful. Ask your vet clinic (or the internist's clinic) if they have any sort of payment plan for those with financial need... I had to once when in the course of 2 months my dog needed stitches 3 times (another dog was the cause, and we took care of the problem as soon as we could). Anyway, also look into investing in pet health insurance, sounds stupid until in less than 2 months you're forking over $1500 in vet bills that you HONESTLY can't afford. You'll thank me when Rover has some need of a lifesaving (and life's savings) surgery (meaning it COST you your life's savings). Anyway, as far as coughs go, I wouldn't pump anything down him you wouldn't put in a baby try letting him sleep indoors if he's an outdoor dog (the cough could be a reaction to an allergy), try a humidifier, but honestly you need to investigate because it COULD be serious (we had a dog with a chronic "cough" an older dog, it could have gotten worse and made her life difficult but we kept it controlled with medicine). Decide whether you'd rather fork over the cash, or deal with a dog that's SERIOUSLY ill (too serious to ignore) costing you MORE money to fix, IF it's not too late to fix. Good luck! I hope your dog gets better!!!

Answer 3

Kennel Cough is basically just like your common cold there is no cure for it, it just has to run its course.....in rare cases it can worsen & if untreated lead to death but this is not that common. If your vet has prescribed medication & you treated your dog till the meds ran out (usually about 2 weeks) & your dog is still suffering I would try going to a different vet for a second opinion. The anitbiotic given for Kennel cough usually just suppresses the symptoms it actually does nothing to "cure" the problem it just makes it more comfortable untill the virus had run it course. so if your dog still has it then chances areits not kennel cough...get a 2nd opinion & go from there. BEST OF LUCK, hope you pooch gets to feeling better!!

Answer 4

http://www.vetinfo.com/dkcough.html