smilez_n_hugs
Senior Member
I am having a heck of a time finding any decent information on this issue and haven't found a dog forum I feel I can trust. Since I know many of you are dog lovers as well I figured I might as well ask.
My pomeranian chihuahua, Harley (4 years old) started coughing and hacking to the point of almost puking this past spring (when I was in the NWT). I was able to speak with my vet about the issue and she said it sounded like a collapsing trachea which is common in both his breeds. He was given an antibiotic and a cough suppressant to get it back under control because irritation makes it worse and he has been fine until a couple weeks ago. I'm starting to think now that he was fine all summer because it was a more humid environment. We are in Northern Manitoba so the cold air and dry heat in the house is not helping him at all. In addition to the coughing he has breathing fits that sound like he is hyperventilating. He has never passed out from these fits. From what I've read I know collapsing trachea gets much worse but I am trying to stay ahead of it and prevent surgery if at all possible.
I have gotten a humidifier and ordered some cartilage builder from the local vet. The major question I have is is this actually a collapsing trachea? He displays most of the signs but without invasive testing (which I don't feel he is severe enough to put him through) I am wondering if there is any way to know. I have also read about something called reverse sneezing so now I really don't know.
My thoughts are any homeopathic/supplement remedies are not going to hurt regardless of what he has so I'm looking for solutions along those lines.
My other problem is my vet who knows the situation is on maternity leave so I am unable to correspond with her right now and get her to look into it any further. But if I had an exact medication the clinic would order it for me. We will be going to our regular vet clinic when we are in Ontario for Christmas but I am trying to go in prepared and know what I want (if possible).
So if anyone has dealt with this or knows someone who has dealt with it I would appreciate any suggestions.
I am working on compiling some videos and can post them if anyone is interested.
My pomeranian chihuahua, Harley (4 years old) started coughing and hacking to the point of almost puking this past spring (when I was in the NWT). I was able to speak with my vet about the issue and she said it sounded like a collapsing trachea which is common in both his breeds. He was given an antibiotic and a cough suppressant to get it back under control because irritation makes it worse and he has been fine until a couple weeks ago. I'm starting to think now that he was fine all summer because it was a more humid environment. We are in Northern Manitoba so the cold air and dry heat in the house is not helping him at all. In addition to the coughing he has breathing fits that sound like he is hyperventilating. He has never passed out from these fits. From what I've read I know collapsing trachea gets much worse but I am trying to stay ahead of it and prevent surgery if at all possible.
I have gotten a humidifier and ordered some cartilage builder from the local vet. The major question I have is is this actually a collapsing trachea? He displays most of the signs but without invasive testing (which I don't feel he is severe enough to put him through) I am wondering if there is any way to know. I have also read about something called reverse sneezing so now I really don't know.
My thoughts are any homeopathic/supplement remedies are not going to hurt regardless of what he has so I'm looking for solutions along those lines.
My other problem is my vet who knows the situation is on maternity leave so I am unable to correspond with her right now and get her to look into it any further. But if I had an exact medication the clinic would order it for me. We will be going to our regular vet clinic when we are in Ontario for Christmas but I am trying to go in prepared and know what I want (if possible).
So if anyone has dealt with this or knows someone who has dealt with it I would appreciate any suggestions.
I am working on compiling some videos and can post them if anyone is interested.