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Older dog with persistent cough

918 views 10 replies 6 participants last post by  fireweed farm 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi, over the last couple months my 14 y/o mutt has developed a cough- it's pretty brutal and you'd think she'd be barfing up at least saliva but nothing comes up.

The vet is aware, and my previous dog (15 y/o lab) also had it for her last couple years- apparently it's common for the trachea of older dogs to lose shape which causes them to cough...

Well since about dinner time last night she's been coughing so much, panting in between. She did sleep without coughing but back to it this AM. Fed her kibble soaked in warm water.

Besides going back to the emergency vet today (Sunday)- any ideas how to sooth this? And any idea if there may even be treatments/meds? She's old obviously and besides this is in quite good shape. She barely wanted to go for a walk this AM and was clearly worn out from all the hacking. Thanks.

*Edited to add that I googled tracheal collapse which may/may not be what the vet was talking about. That is generally found in toy breeds, may be genetic, due to obesity and poor air quality. This dog is in good shape, not a toy and the air here is good incl no smokers.....
 
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#4 ·
First off this may well be a completely different medical issue than what your minpin has, and I will be bringing my dog in for imaging of some kind to confirm what is actually causing this.
Tramadol or Dextromethorphan (in some cough syrups). BUT obviously dosage for both are by milligram specific to your dog and with such a tiny dog I'd expect a trip to vet may be in order to work out a dosage. Good luck with your pup.
 
#7 ·
Thanks. As of today it sounds like it is most likely carcinoma in a lung. Further testing (CT scan) is possible. But decided to think for the weekend before making that apt. What could they do, at 14. I'm told carcinoma is aggressive and it's in a terrible spot.
My vet, who is a great one has said she has seen some dogs last several weeks. So I don't know what to do, she's my best bud, but don't think surgery is a realistic option in her case.
 
#8 ·
That's always the toughest call you make.....but you need to think about the good times, and do the right thing.
You take on that responsibility when you first meet your fur friend...and need to see it through.
Sorry man.....
 
#10 ·
Sorry to hear about this. Your original post made me think congestive heart failure. First signs are a cough that is not exercise induced and easily becoming fatigued.

Unfortunately, we lose the good ones way too soon. But if she's your buddy, you have to do what's best for her, even if it hurts. That's the price we pay for sharing our lives with our furry friends.

My condolences for what's to come.
 
#11 ·
Thankfully she's showing very little discomfort- even the coughing has nearly stopped (perhaps due the half dose of tramadol she's on). She's still following me around, asking if we can go for a walk, begging for treats(which she's been getting extra of) etc etc. You can't really tell there's an issue. Still some quality time I suppose it's day by day and thankfully I'm on holidays and can be with her, and watch for progression.
 
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