New puppy is coughing! Help

[Guest Anonymous]

The puppy that we brought home today (still don't have a name) has a hacking cough. Could this be kennel cough? I'm worried about him. He has an appointment at the vet's on Monday. I just want to make sure that he'll be okay until then. I have no experience with kennel cough. Any information would be great. Thanks!

[imported_Debbie]

I am giving you this info from the DOG OWNERS HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK.
KENNEL COUGH
The kennel cough complex is a group of highly contagious respiratory diseases in dogs. The name comes from the fact that the infection tends to spread rapidly, especially among dogs in boarding kennels. Several viruses and bacteria, alone or in combination, can cause the disease. The organisms most frequently involved are canine parainfluenza virus and the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. Canine adenovirus types CAV-1 and CAV-2, as well as canine herpesvirus, canine distemper and mycoplasma are other causes of kennel cough.
A harsh,dry hacking cough is the characteristic sign of tracheobronchitis. The cough is unproductive and is often accompanied by gagging and retching. Except for the cough, the dog is bright and alert, has a god appetite and a normal temperature. In most cases kennel cough is a mild disease. With rest and a stress-free enviroment, most adult dogs recover completely in 7-14 days.
Kennel Cough may be complicated by secondary bacterial pneumonia. This is most likely to occur in dogs with bronchitis, collapsing trachea and diseases that lower their resistance to infection. In puppies, kennel cough can be accompanied by nasal congestion. These puppies require frequent care to loosen thick secretions, improving breathing and prevent pneumonia. This is also true for toy breeds.
TREATMENT
Kennel Cough should be treated by a Veterinarian. Isolate dogs to prevent spreading disease. The quarters should be warm,dry and well venilated. Humidification is beneficial. A cool mist vaporizer offers some advantage over a heat vaporizer, because it is less likely to add excessive heat to the atmosphere.
Moderate daily excercise is beneficial in that it assists bronchial drainage. Strenuous exertion off leash should be avoided.
Antibiotics are routinely used for treating kennel cough. The drugs of choice are the tetracyclines and trimethoprim-sulfa. Continue the antibiotics for 7-10 days. Excessive coughing is controlled with cough suppressants.
Dogs with severe tracheobronchitis or pneumonia are hospitalized and treated intensely with intramuscular antibiotics and drugs that dilate the breathing passages.

I hope this helps some......I know it was long , but I wanted to be thorough for you and not leave anything out. :angel:

[Guest Anonymous]

They didn't say anything about at the shelter. I didn't even hear him cough until we got home. He threw up in the car on the way home but I thought maybe the ride didn't agree with him. He doesn't seem to cough too badly when he's out and about in the house but when he's crated it seems to worsen. Thanks Debbie for all the info. I sure appreciate it!

[courtnek]

Where do you live?

I dont want to alarm you, and it probably is kennel cough if he was a t shelter, but have the vet check for blastomycosis (blast-oh-my-cohsis)
as well.....that same cough is what alerted me to Alex's illness, and it killed him. An X-ray will tell them right off the bat...This illness is most prevalent in the midwest of the US, and near waterways and rivers.
Like I said, dont worry, but have it checked.

Good luck and I hope he gets all better soon!

[Guest Anonymous]

I try not to worry until I know I have something to worry about. I live in South Carolina. Not near any water. I live near the border of SC and NC

[Guest Anonymous]

Also, forgot to say how sorry I am for your loss. I can imagine how much it hurts. :cry:

[Shannon_C]

BentleysMom.

One of my dogs Patch had kennel cough when he went missing and was taken to the RSPCA...he was a year old.
The vet treated it and said to keep him away from other pets until it cleared.

I do hope whatever puppy as got clears up soon :(