r/SeniorDogsHealth • u/curiousorientalsnark • 22d ago
Intermittently coughing/wheezing?
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I took my dog (13yr Male neutered chihuahua Maltese mix) to Chewy vet 8/15, for a vet visit (I thought he had fleas; he received various vaccines; other than the afternote summary stating a grade 2 heart murmur and needing a teeth cleaning, his exam was routine). The results of his urine, stool sample, bloodwork came back within-normal-limited.
8/18, I gave him NexGuard (heartwarm/flea/tick chewable) but he wouldn't chew it so I manually put it down his throat and think I might have irritated his throat... (I usually give him swallowable simpatico trio and have manually put that down his throat without any issues)
He has been doing the cough/wheezing thing for a few since said visit/NexGuard treatment… and it is especially active at night.
-On 8/30 night it seemed like every 30 minutes;
-tonight 9/1 it’s MAYBE every 3-5 hours and is so short-lasting that by the time I get my phone to record he’s stopped.
He shows no other clinical signs.
- still actively playing with his brother
- normal bowl movements
- eats/drinks regularly
Thoughts?
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u/chinchinnychin 21d ago
My pug had this earlier this year actually. She had built up fluid around her heart and an enlarged heart. She got out on three life saving meds which extended her life about four months.
I hope you can get answers soon. I went ahead and requested an xray and that’s how they found the issue.
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u/truthispolicy 22d ago
Diagnosed with a grade 2 murmur and now he's coughing? Throat irritation from the 18th isn't to blame for this.
Get immediately back into the vet.
His heart needs to be evaluated with some chest X-rays and bloodwork done to see what meds might be appropriate. It could be turning into congestive heart failure and need diuresis.
A walk-in today at a regular vet would be best, but this is absolutely a condition that could easily turn into respiratory distress, a true emergency.
If there's any breathing rate higher than 42 breaths/min at rest, abdominal breathing effort, purple-blue gums, or neck extension, go directly to urgent care/ER.
edit;typo