My black lab is producing a lot of mucus. His nose runs and often throws up large amounts of mucus. Any help?

Question

I have taken him to 4 different vets. Blood test and x rays have all been negative. We have changed his diet and water intake to spring water in case our well water was the problem. His nose is crusted over. He usually has a couple of good days then a couple of bad where he can throw up anywhere from 3-6 times mostly mucus with some undigested kibble.

Indy is 4 yrs old and we moved to a new house in May 05. His symptoms began in Sept 05. My first vet thought it was his eating patterns so we altered that. They tested for Cushings Disease, worms and others I am not positive about. He was treated twice with dewormers and once with antibiotics. He has chronic ear conditions that we treat with Baytril. He also was born with dysplasia and at 10 months had a TPO preformed on both hips, because of this he is not highly active, but has become less and less active lately. He is a sweet dog and I hate to see him suffer, any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

Whatever it is, let me know; I think I've got it too.

Answer 2

Hi. I have a black lab also. Is there a specific time period where the symptoms have begun? Have you monitored food and potentially any outdoor/indoor plants the dog may eat? The symptoms of the crusted over nose are obviously related to the nasal mucous. I assume the dog is sneezing a lot? Do you hear a cough? My lab had similar symptoms when she had Kennel Cough. (It's basically a respiratory infection). The throwing up can also be related to the coughing and sneezing. You could try some easier to digest foods for bad days. Canned foods might be more digestible before he/she throws them back up. When my dog had Kennel Cough the vet prescribed antibiotics. Kennel cough can be quite nasty to get rid of. You should also sterilise the environment where the dog lives if he/she has that to keep it from re-occurring.
I am assuming you are in the UK (I am in States). Your vets over there see a lot of Labs? Over here labs are very common and vets have a lot of experience with these larger breeds.
My lab had bilateral TPLO a year ago (can you say expensive?). The vets have all pushed for a regimen of Rimadyl if the dog looks like she is experiencing pain and unable to stay mobile. I am careful with the Rimidyl, myself, as it has some side effects, but it is more important that a large breed dog get a good excercise regimen to keep the extra weight off. The extra weight will degenerate the hips/knees very quickly.

Answer 3

How old is your dog?

I assume as you have seen so many vets that they have checked your home for environmental influences to his condition? Have you changed anything in the house? Even something like a new carpet, or having it cleaned can be an issue sometimes. Another thing to consider is your garden. Has anything been sprayed or put down / planted - I'm thinking Foxgloves. Pretty but very dangerous.

You say his nose has crusted over - is it actually a scab or just dried mucus? If it's a scab there is a more serious issue.

Aside from the symptoms you have described - how is the dog in himself? Is he still happy to eat and go for walks or is there a lack of energy to do anything?

Sorry to try to answer your question with so many other questions but without being able to see him this is all I have.

Answer 4

Poor guy! Have they done a nasal swab on him? Have they done all the blood tests they can possibly do? I'm guessing (seriously...I've heard of this, but not sure how it works) a nasal flush might help him. Basically they put him under anesthesia and flush out the nasal passages. Just a couple suggestions I had. You could try looking at a vet-run website...such as veterinarypartner.com or askavet.com (not sure if that's the right name). Good luck. I hope he feels better.
**I also agree with the people suggesting allergies. Either that or an environmental irritant of some sort. See if your vet can run an allergy test on him (blood, not scratch)**

Answer 5

This sounds terrible and I'm very sorry. I don't really know a solution, but could allergies be involved? Sometimes allergies can be terrible on a dog. Try to find a university veterinary teaching school - they might have ideas that an every-day vet might not.

Answer 6

Did he get parasites from the well water,did the vets check for allergies,in our city we have a vet that specializes in only dog allergy's,shes helped my Chihuahua get rid of several.That may be your dogs problem.what fabric softener,etc are you using ,have you changed any thing in the last months before your dog became ill..Any thing on your floors or carpets different than just before he got sick.Just a thought .I hope your dog gets better soon

Answer 7

This is so ludicrous, to have seen 4 different vets who are all unable to diagnose a dogs illness. Have you tried asking the PDSA and RSPCA (assuming you are in the UK?) It sounds as though your dog is really ill, bless him. Is there a breeder in your area? Ring them and ask the name of their vet!!! They have to have good ones, its their livelihood. Very good luck to you both.

Answer 8

I think its only a vet that can give you advice sweetheart, so sorry cant offer any practical advice.. big hug to you both, I hope things improve.

Answer 9

Poor doggie!

I guess they did test to see if he has any sort of respiratory infection? Because thats the first thing that comes to mind.

Answer 10

is there a vet in your area who deals with alternative treatments because my cousins dog was having trouble with his breathing and she took three times and he has never been ill since that was four years ago.......

Answer 11

allergies. I have a black and yellow lab. They got that and it turned out they couldn't be around this grass stuff.