Kennel cough or canine distemper disease?

Question

I adopted a Shiba Inu puppy earlier this month from a shelter and after bringing her home I noticed that she had Kennel cough symptoms, so I brought her to the vet and she tested positive. So of course they prescribed her the usual Clamivox and Baytril. Then about two weeks later I noticed that she bagan limping and that her front paw (which she was limping on) was red and became discolored, so again I brought her to the vet. They took cultures and said that she tested positive for fungus and they prescribed a topical and oral medication. Meanwhile she still has the "kennel cough", she seemed to react well to the antibiotics...at first. Now, for the past several days, I noticed her kennel cough symptoms getting worse...seriously worse. And I also noticed that she's been having mucus drip from her nose and from her eyes along with nasal secretions. Could this just be a REALLY bad kennel cough or canine distemper disease?

Also, there is no cure for canine distemper disease...maybe thats why her past owners mightve let her go in the first place??? Im really scared but I have to ask for opinions, because it is a long weekend and the vet is closed and I dont know what to do.

Answer 1

Respiratory Distemper frecuently develops faster than 2 weeks and usually is in company of clinical sings of lesions in other organ or system( neurologic, gastrointestinal). Based in your story, i would say is a Kennel cough complicated with secondary bacterial infection, probably resistent to these antibiotics. This is not common, but i´ve seen it happen. if you see that your puppy is in respiratory distress( it is hard for him to breath), you should take him to an emergency veterinary clinic ASAP. Meanwhile, you can nebulize him with normal sterile saline solution 3 times a day, or open the shower and let the hot water create vapor, and leave the puppy in the bathroom with the door closed for 15 to 20 minutes. This will help him breath. Also, clean the nostrils with a tissue every time you can to let the air passage clear from mucus and other secretions. Even though, I think your pet is going to need I.V. antibiotics soon, and possibily, oxigen therapy. I´m sorry if I scare you with my opinion.

Answer 2

It could be canine distemper because canine distemper has no specific symptoms. It is a neurological disease that can show any non specific symptoms in the beginning. Is there any emergency vet clinics around your area? They are always open on the weekends and holidays. If you find one, i would take her there, because this does sound scary. And until then, just keep her warm and comfortable, Make sure she is eating and drinking. Keep an eye on her so you can give the veterinarian as much information as you can about what is going on. Good Luck, i hope your dog is okay, and i hope it is NOT distemper.

Answer 3

Distemper is treatable. I have a puppy who had it, The infection is VERY bad and leaves them prone to other infections. Often the infection with distemper gets in the face, eyes, nose, etc.

Best to ask your vet, though if she had distemper the vet probably would have caught it right away.

Kennel cough can take up to a month to treat and can come back even when it looks gone. If you're not sure that's its only kennel cough, I'd ask about coccidia first. If your dog had distemper for a month, untreated, she'd likely be dead or close to dead.

Answer 4

The only way to know for sure what you are dealing with is to take her back to the vet again.
Canine distemper can be treated in many cases if caught early enough.If it isn't caught early it almost always is fatal. It is not an illness that stays with the dog for life.If they survive it, it is over once it has run it's course.

The Kennel Cough may possibly now have become Canine influenza...go back to the vet....

Answer 5

I have always used Vick's formula 44 cough syrup for kennel cough.

I was told to do this by a Vet I used to work for. I have always had more dogs than I am supposed to and the coughing can spread but the Vick's Formula 44 cough syrup works and stops the coughing.

The best way to get it down them is to put it into a syringe without the needle and give it to the dog at the far back of his jaws. That helps it go down without the nasty taste and them trying to spit it out.

Answer 6

I would insist on having her tested...meanwhile I would keep her away from any other pets you may have.