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I'm going a little nuts. I have a 14 year old, spayed ...
Sent to Pet Experts October 16 10:30 PM

I'm going a little nuts. I have a 14 year old, spayed pomeranian. 4 weeks ago, she presented with an upper respitory infection. Took her to the vet, with the symptoms of severe cough, and congestion. Recieved antibiotics, which cleared up congestion. Cough remained. The second week, recieved narcotics from vet to calm cough, and let throat heal. Did not work. Third week, recieved meds (diuretic) for enlarged heart. Still has cough, which is getting worse. I am leaning towards cranial xrays, to see if there is something lodged in her sinus cavities (this is the dog who had a 6 inch blade of grass there once) Am i crazy for suggesting this? this is a new vet, my beloved former vet has left the area. Any advice appreciated.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
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October 16 10:43 PM (12 minutes and 33 seconds later)
         
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I would look more towards a heart problem and testing for THAN than I would a sinus issue since you know that she already hd a heart problem. The next step should be x-rays and/or ultrasound of the heart.

Let me know if you still have questions or want to discuss this more.

PictureTammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
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October 16 11:05 PM (22 minutes and 35 seconds later)
         
sent a pm, since i am new to the system. but here tis again. Already have an xray of her heart, which shows slight enlargement, moving the windpipe up towards her spine. Not touching it. No fluid build up apparent in lungs, or around heart. Good xrays, can see calcium buildups on both cervical and lumbar spine.   doc sez that heart looks about normal for her age, but is definitely enlarged. Heart meds (diuretic) have been administered for four days, with no improvement. Cough has worsened, with coughing sessions lasting about 10 minutes in duration. She is also sneezing violently, occasionally with mucus. Any other thoughts?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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October 16 11:08 PM (2 minutes and 2 seconds later)
         
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Sneezing can often be attributed to an allergy or respiratory infection. If the antibiotics you have tried are not working, you might want to ask the vet to culture for sensitivity so that you can find an antibiotic that WILL be effective.

If it sounds more like a honk with her sides heaving in and out, you may be seeing a reverse sneeze. Could this be the case?

PictureTammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
October 16 11:10 PM (2 minutes and 58 seconds later)
         
Sounds like the deep chesty cough you get with pnuemonia, but it is not pnuemonia.......shes had that twice, so am familiar with that one. Not familiar with a reverse sneeze. But not a very productive cough in her case. Thank you so much for your time! i owe you big! off to work i go to pay vet bills......
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