That's just crazy! I wouldn't worry about the cough unless it is more frequent and causes distress after the episode. If Cooper is fine directly after and isn't tired or out of breath he's probably fine. I'm not sure about the lump I would keep a close eye on that. His open fontanelle shouldnt be a problem either. If he was hydro you would know. I wouldn't give cough meds unless he is coughing alot and it is bothering his life significantly. I have had a few Chis with open fontanelle and they lived long normal lives many chis do. I would heed other advice and run to a new vet for more info on the lump and seizures.
"Whether or not it is clear to you, the world is unfolding as it should." -Desiderata Christy Sylvest [email protected] To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Date: Sat, 13 Nov 2010 09:20:13 -0800 Subject: [Chihuahuas] Reverse Sneezing - Vet says... Hi everybody, I took Cooper to the vet yesterday to get his free check up as a new adoptive puppy. I've had him as a foster for three months and finally made the adoption final. Unfortunately, I got a brand new - just out of school Vet-who wanted to impress me with all that she learned and how much it cost her. Cooper just started the reverse sneezing last week and it happens only after he drinks water. The Vet told me it could be collapsed trachea (which would cost $160 for an xray that may or may not show it), but that it was most likely Kennel Cough. Cooper hasn't been around another dog except his brother for three months. How could it be kennel cough? My other dog doesn't have it.So she sold me some Hycodan cough syrup (a controlled substance) and Doxycycline. Regarding the long lump he has on his side, her first guess was that it was from a shot. But since he's had no injections since July, she ruled that out. She said to just watch it and if it gets bigger, she'll take a sample -- which will cost $140. Regarding his seizures, she said it could be a kazillion things and then listed them all for me in her new clinical vet-eese. Luckily, since I have a clinical background, I was able to recognize a few of the terms she was throwing out. She said we could do an MRI which would cost upwards of $190... Also he has an open fontanelle so he could have hydrocephalus. With medication, the goal would be to have only one seizure per month lasting no more than five minutes. Well he's already at goal, so we'll do nothing until and unless they get worse. Questions for you guys (my real vets) are 1) If he has kennel cough (how could he) why doesn't my other dog have it and should I treat him with the meds too? 2) Should I even give the kennel cough meds at all? 3) Shoud I be worried about his open fontanelle? Wikipedia says that life for dogs with this condition is "very grim" and short. He weighs 5.8 and is at a right weight for him. He might be 2 or 3 years old. Since he was a stray, his history is unknown. Now he's loved, cuddled, pampered, fed, and never ever tries to go out the front door. Thank you for reading my very long email and any advice you can offer. Carolyn and Cooper and his brother Joe. From: Christy Sylvest <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, November 12, 2010 1:51:21 PM Subject: RE: [Chihuahuas] Reverse Sneezing If you are concerned your vet shoud be able to see collapsed trachea with an xray. Hope its just reverse sneeze. "Whether or not it is clear to you, the world is unfolding as it should." -Desiderata Christy Sylvest [email protected] talk about our wonderful little friends! Join today! " .
