My 7yo IG began light coughing, gagging and spit up a little, took him to the vet and she said she hadn't seen

Question

this before, could be kennel cough, but cough wasn't that severe, could be bronchitus, but no fever, & cough not constant, wheezes when breathing in, barks like he's hoarse. She gave meds hydrocodone to suppress the cough & clavamox for antibiotics. Now 3 1/2 month old IG f has started hacking and wheezing (hasn't barked today, so don't know if she is hoarse too). The vet told me only to bring the one that was sick, which I did, & if baby got it, would give me additional meds, just to call in. Called in as soon as I realized baby had it too, only to get the emergency vet, which said they can't dispense anything without a bunch of tests first. Should I give the baby an appropiate portion of the meds to her weight, until tomorrow, she is about 1/2 the weight of the 7 yo. Help! I am ticked that this vet said all I'd have to do is call if the other one got sick, which she didn't think she would, I could have brought her in friday. Now have 2 sick dogs who sound terrible. Any advise?

Called the vet first thing Monday morning, she made up formulations for the puppy right away. I think it was kennel cough myself, and when I asked the vet why she didn't know, she answered, usually by the time someone brings their dog in, the dog is so sick, there is no guessing. She said most owners wait and I didn't, so it was hard to tell. The fact the baby came down with it, made it clear it was contagious, therefore, probaby kennel cough, which is extremely contagious. My babies are both feeling better, and I think I may be on the lookout for a vet who has more clients that are IG's (Italian Greyhounds) and people who bring their pets in sooner. I feel like they probably picked up the virus at the Vets office, as I had been in with both just less than 2 weeks ago for a puppy shot update and to update the older guy on his distemper. Believe both of them contracted the infection there, as there isn't any other place they could have got it. Thanks all for the great answers!

Answer 1

I'd call your vet back, if you don't get the answers you are expecting then don't be afraid to speak up. If, after speaking up, you still don't get the help you need I'd tell them that you are now forced to go somewhere else where they actually understand animals and can relate to the public. Then take them somewhere else. Sounds like Kennel Cough to me.....the faster you act on this the better off the dogs will be. I wouldn't try to guess dosage though.
Good luck! Hope you get the help you need!

RDLS

Answer 2

I guess I'm being dense, but I'm not sure what an IG is. In any case, I wouldn't give the other dog anything that wasn't prescribed specifically for her. It'd be like giving a child medicine for an adult. . .you don't know whether the med is suitable for someone younger and smaller or what all the risk factors are.

You might call the emergency vet back and ask him/her to call the regular vet at home. Most of the vets in this area don't mind, and it may save you another trip to the clinic and a lot of tests. I still wouldn't try to treat the baby on my own, though, no matter what.

I hope your fur babies get better soon.

Answer 3

I wouldn't give the 2cnd dog any of the other dogs medicine. Even though she is half the size, you still don't know of the correct dosage. Now, I'm not a vet but hydrocodone is typically given for pain, not coughing. They will generally prescribe Robitussin or cough tabs for that.
If I were you I would go to another vet ASAP! As this one doesn't sound like she is the most knowledgeable or experienced. I've been a vet tech for many years and it does sound to me like you've gotten a hold of a bad vet. If your dog is really sick then you should consider taking her to the emergency vet for testing. I realize this is expensive but what is your pet worth to you?
Here is link for usage of Robitussin in dogs from pet education. You may also want to go to www.animalhealthchannel.com to do some more research.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1469&articleid=1395

Answer 4

Not all vets are that educated when it comes to an Italian Greyhound. As they range in size the normal 8 lbs to 14 lbs ,about one pound to one inch, I would not give meds from one to the another you also have a large age difference. As you have two IG's it seems you must know of a breeder. I would ask her if she knows of someone in your area to take your dog to. I take mine 3 1/2 hours one way to take mine to a vet educated in the care of an IG. If your breeder is from another state ask again and this time state what area you are from to see who takes their IG where. If my vet could not test and rule one way or another for kennel cough I would find one that could.