I think Murphie has "kennel cough"

[MonaD]

Not yet the official diagnosis (we are off to the vet tomorrow), but she abruptly developed a hacking, gagging, retching (poor thing!) cough yesterday. And today seemed to hack up a little white foam. From what I've read, it sounds like its the culprit.

Also I've read that its best to confirm the diagnosis, and if it is kennel cough, let it run its course, without the possibly unneccessary use of antibiotics? Any opinions? I'd like to be armed with some info before seeing Dr. Vet.
Does anyone have any suggestions about how to ease her if it is in fact kennel cough?

She kept me awake last night with her cough and I was convinced she was choking on something. (you will recall the "chicken wing" panic of a few days ago )
I value the input I get from this forum-so many knowledgeable and helpful people with good, common sense advice!
Thanks,
Mona
Ps. While she has never been "kennelled" since bringing her home fromthe SPCA, she does meet and play other dogs at the beach, kindergarten and the park. I'm sure I should keep her away from other dogs for now, and possibly inform our trainer at kindergarten?

 

[Mordy]

Also I've read that its best to confirm the diagnosis, and if it is kennel cough, let it run its course, without the possibly unneccessary use of antibiotics? Any opinions? I'd like to be armed with some info before seeing Dr. Vet.

this depends on the cause of kennel cough in the individual dog. if it is bacterial, it needs to be treated with antibiotics. if it is viral, all you can do is let it run its course, since virii are not affected by antibiotics. this is what the vet needs to find out so he/she can treat accordingly.

and yes, keeping her away from other dogs until she has recovered is common sense, since it is highly contagious.

 

[Irish]

Mona - I work in a kennel and all I can tell you comes from experience there, I obviously am not a vet. That said, kennel cough does run its course and the dogs are fine afterwards. Once in a while at our kennel, it will sweep through and the woman that owns the kennel will tell people to be on the look out for it and to not waste their money going to the vet, because it will run its course and antibiotics do not help. Of course, if the dogs seems like it is not getting better, or is suffering, we would recommend bringing to vet.
Bordetella (kennel cough) is VERY contagious because it is airborne, so when a dog barks, he is spraying the virus into the air.
You can have your dog vaccinated to prevent this in the future if he is constantly exposed to other dogs. Good luck, let us know how it goes!

 

[bubbatd]

ElinHunter's Hunter had a cough......ended up being a bug.

 

[MonaD]

Update on Murph

Well, the vet (not my regular guy) said it is likely kennel cough-though he did no tests to confirm or deny. He prescribed antibiotics to combat it if it is the bacterial form, or to combat secondary infection if she has a possible scratch in her throat or something.
I don't let my doc prescribe antibiotics to me unless absolutely neccessary, so this makes me a bit uneasy. It's only for a week, so I guess its not too bad. I'll pump her full of probiotics to help keep her gut in top form after the antibiotics.
Other than that she is happy as a clam!
Thanks for your comments.
mona

 

[Renee750il]

Good girl, Mona! We don't have to warn you about antibiotics

Hope Murphie is better very soon!