Question:
My 4-month old papillon has a productive cough upon awakening, day or night. The Vet has been treating him with 6 different meds, including steroids and anti-bacterials, but he's not sure if the malady is bordetella or chronic bronchitis. I'm losing confidence in this Vet as he's been treating my puppy for 3 weeks now and I've seen no improvement. Anyone have any suggestions...other than "find a new Vet??"...which I'm about to do.

Answer:
Where are you and did you talk to the breeder about this problem?

Answer:
I'm in the San Diego, CA, area and yes, I have discussed it with the breeder. He says to continue with the Vet for a few more days. That's okay, he's paying for it. But the stress on us is very difficult.

Bob

Answer:
Sorry not sure of a good Vet in your area I am in ontario, Canada. As for the coughing hope you get to the bottom of it soon the poor little thing. I would think 3 weeks is long enough for some improvement might want to look around for a second opinion. Good luck, let us know how you make out.

Answer:
I have been going throught he same symptoms, It is very difficult to look for a fast answer to the coughing. It can't be diagnosed as chronic bronchitis until all other causes are ruled out. The way we found pneumonia after kennel cough was through 2 tracheal washes and the first one revealed the pneumonia. The antibiotics that were originally perscribed did not work on that strain. Once the pnuemonia was treated, I now am working on chronic cough in the morning and after he awakens. I would'nt throw the towl in on your vet, I did most of my reasearch online and have been more knowledgable of what to look for and hopefully help find the underlying cause.

Answer:
Many thanks Kevin. This is the first clue I've had in this matter and I'll be speaking to my Vet in the morning with the prognosis of my puppy. I'll relay the info you've provided and perhaps it'll help.
BTW, at this stage, my pup has those same symptons that you just described...chronic cough in the morning and after he awakens.

Bob

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