Pom with bad cough breathing problem

First off, I believe your dog should be seen in the veterinary office to rule out fluid on the lungs as a result of having the enlarged heart. His collapsing trachea issue may also be worsening and in some cases it become so bad that they cannot breath well at all and have to be intubated until the swelling and inflammation have decreased. Albuterol will help if bronchitis or asthma is his problem but it will not solve issues with the heart, trachea, or fluid on the lungs. This actually sounds more like trachea or heart issues but I don't see why you cannot try the albuterol once to see if it brings him any improvement. If it does then great otherwise he will need to be immediately seen by a veterinarian. The problem with dosing a dog that is having trouble is making matters worse by struggling. We want to try and minimize this at all costs. I would also take him into the bathroom with the hot water running to create a steam room and help to open up his airways. If you have a 2 liter you can cut the bottom out or actually cut the bottle in half and slip it over his head while holding him in your lap tail toward you. Pump the albuterol twice into the make shift mask. Hold it on his head for 30 seconds to enable him to get the most of the medication. Avoid struggle at all costs. Frequent albuterol or inhaler use is contraindicated in pets with heart failure so I don't recommend repeating this. If he isn't at all improved within the hour he will need to be seen at the emergency center.

Thank you

Theresa

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Thank you for your time and answer but I think by giving you history of Vegas we are somewhat going in the wrong direction with the question and answer. The collapsed trach was ruled out by x-rays. Bloodwork x-rays and examinations determined vegas to have chronic bronchitis, asthma, slightly elarged heart and heart murmur.
I have an appointment for Vegas in 5 days but usually are given the same answer and so I am looking for alternatives, (homeopathics that may help, I had to find online myself about cases that have used albuterol which the vet has not offered) anything that may have been used with this Type diagnosis of above. Vegas is on prednisone and lasix which have helped and I will discuss the water on the lungs with the vet but they have not mentioned inhalers, homeopathics anything else for that matter. Vegas can hardly walk 10 feet or navigate the stairs to our second floor with out having a panting and coughing spell finishing with a final cough that sometimes brings up phlem but not usually. Do you have any information in or outside of the box that I could offer to the Vet this Thursday to help anything no matter how absurd it may sound. I do not want to put Vegas down, with the exception of his breathing and cough he has a good appetite, barks and tries to protect the house, still wants love and petting and still brings us love and joy.
Thank you.

Radiographs cannot definitively rule out collapsing trachea and this condition should really be reevaluated when you have your next appointment. I still believe that his enlarged heart can be pressing up on his trachea causing the harsh cough and difficulty breathing. With a heart condition present fluid may have accumulated on the lungs and a possible change in the lasix dosage may be needed. It is kinda odd that we have a pom currently in our practice with the same exact symptoms. He is currently being treated with lasix, anti inflammatories, torbutrol to control his cough, enalapril for his heart, and albuterol nebulizer treatments. It may be a good idea to check for a fungal infection of the lungs though dogs usually run a very high fever with this. If the albuterol nebs helped him then I would consider renting a nebulizer from a medical supply company and having your veterinarian script out an albuterol supply for him. Inhalers are only recently being used. Click here for more information. I would still consider an EKG and heart ultrasound to determine what condition is causing his murmur and enlargement as he could be started on heart meds that may significantly improve his condition.

Thank you

Theresa

__________________
If I was helpful please hit ACCEPT if you need more help just let me know.
In the case of an emergency please contact your veterinarian or emergency center.
Feedback is appreciated!