My border collie that is about 11/12 years old lately keeps choking and trying to cough something up. but nothing comes. is there any way that a dog can get cancer of the throat cause ive my suspisions. shes also got arthritis. can anyone help?
2007-01-23 22:39:18 · 5 answers · asked by ohh baby 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes, a vet can help. When did the dog last have a check up?
2007-01-23 22:59:32 · answer #1 · answered by Stick to Pet Rocks 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
1. For the coughing / choking, take your pal to the vet. Anything could be wedged in there and a vet is familiar enough with dog throats to feel if there is an impediment. A vet will also recommend an x-ray if needed. Plan to visit the vet soon. The longer something is caught in your pup's throat, the more damage it can do. Throat cancer is rare (does your dog smoke?) so you are safe to assume that it's something much more common.
2. Regarding the arthritis, glucosamine has helped my border collie. He used to be in pain when he went from lying down to standing up. It took a few weeks, but he is now able to stand and move about without the obvious stiffness and grimace that he had previously. When you're at the vet's about the choking, ask about the options for arthritis treatments. Cox-2 inhibitors (think doggy Vioxx) work well at relieving inflammation and will not upset your pooch's stomach. Asprin is an anti-inflammatory that should be avoided because of what it does to the stomach. One of my vets recommended the occasional buffered asprin (not enteric coated as that just passes through the dog's system too fast to do anything). The other vet in the office thought that the buffered asprin advice was not very good. The potential to harm the dog's stomach, he said, is too great.
PLEASE NOTE: NEVER give your dog Tylenol (acteminophen). This is highly toxic for dogs!
I suppose treatment for arthritis depends on your budget. If there is significant pain (dogs hide pain well), and you are unable to afford a vet, the occasional buffered asprin (one, once a day) will likely be okay. But a vet will give you the latest and greatest ways to treat arthritis. Think of the things you can do to minimize pain: soft bed to lie on, limit the jumping, no lying on cold concrete or standing out in damp conditions for extended periods, gentle massage may be okay (but watch for signs of discomfort).
Hope your dog feels better soon!
2007-01-24 07:54:10 · answer #2 · answered by carp per diem 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be so many other things I would suspect before I guessed cancer.
You might consider haveing your vet test your animal for anything from heartworms to a virus, Puppies catch colds, too!
Also, collies tend to have sensative stomachs. If you are giving them people food or food with spices or seasoning...stop!
Its not good for them.
Good luck!
Also, chocolate, nuts and some other common items are actually poisonous to dogs. Avoid these!
2007-01-24 06:54:19 · answer #3 · answered by tabulator32 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well maybe it ate something
if ur not sure ask the vet becuase my dog happened like that
oh i know! isnt the leash or collar to tight thats y its chocking but 4 sure pld. ask the vet because i know wat a feeling of an owner of a dog feels like because i'm a dog-lover well, jus make sure ok..
2007-01-24 06:50:42 · answer #4 · answered by Kellikayyy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
on my opinion she is to big so take it to the vet
2007-01-24 07:01:30 · answer #5 · answered by dodo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋