My dog's coughing. What tests are for kennel cough or heart disease?

With kennel cough, sudden onset of a severe cough is typically seen, which may be productive or non-productive. A productive cough sounds wet and produces mucus, while a non-productive cough is dry and does not produce any mucus. This cough can sound like a honk. Gagging, retching, sneezing, and nasal discharge may also be seen. When a dog with kennel cough has their throat palpated, the dog can be induced to cough. The cough can also be exacerbated by exercise, excitement, or pressure on the neck from their collar. With heart disease, you see a cough that is produced after or during exercise, as well as exercise intolerance. A dog cannot seem to play like they used to in the past. This cough will progress and get worse over time, happening when they are resting as well. You can see episodes of syncope, when a dog suddenly faints.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Kennel cough is an upper respiratory infection which sometimes can even affect the lower respitatory system or lungs. It is sometimes due to bacterial or viral infections. This is a relatively common disease in puppies especially if not vaccinated. It is contagious and usually dogs get it from other affected dogs. Coughing can of course happen due to other pulmonary conditions like pneumonia for example. I recommend that you have Naja evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may take thoracic radiographs and may prescribe antibiotics. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Jackie. Many states right now are experiencing outbreaks of respiratory problems in dogs. All of us in the profession are always worried about canine flu outbreaks. I would advise that if the condition worsens or doesn't resolve, have your veterinarian evaluate Jackie. There are many causes of coughing and having a thorough history would help narrow that down. Of course kennel cough, allergies, things in the air that are irritants, etc are all possible including many others. Again, with everything going on now across the United States, I would advise a trip to your vet's office with her. They can evaluate her and then advise some treatment or diagnostic testing to screen for a cause. They may advise fecal tests, blood tests, x-rays, or other tests to determine a cause. Better to be safe in this case. Good luck with Jackie.

Coughing can be a symptom of many issues in our pets and some are more serious then others. The cough can stem from something occurring with the heart/vessels, lungs, airways, upper throat, or inside the chest/outside the lungs. There can be parasite causes (such as heartworms, lung worms, etc.), infectious causes (bacteria, viruses; unfortunately the Bordetella vaccine does not always prevent kennel cough as it is typically a complex of viral +/- bacterial causes, although typically there is exposure to other dogs in the history for this ailment), inhaled foreign material as you suggest, airway change (like tracheal (large airway) collapse), disease of the lung (such as bronchitis or pneumonia), and several other causes in various areas (inflammation, etc.). Is Stella otherwise normal (eating normally, playing with good energy)? If so this is a good sign. If you feel like she is otherwise not feeling well in association with the cough or the cough continues/worsens or is moist or productive it would be best to have her evaluated by your family vet. That way he or she can listen to her heart and lungs. A chest x-ray may also be recommended as an initial step. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

You might ask your veterinarian if the X-rays could be reviewed by a radiologist. While the resolution that the forum pictures allow makes them a bit difficult to interpret, I am concerned that the X-rays do not appear normal, and she may have a more serious underlying condition. It may be that she has some underlying heart disease, cancer, or an infection that requires a more broad spectrum of antibiotic. I agree the blood work you've attached is unremarkable. Was a CBC performed as well? Check back with your vet about a radiology review, and a recheck exam as well. A consult with a cardiologist may be recommended, depending on the radiologist's opinion. I'm sorry I don't have better news, or a solution to offer you to try at home, but I think you need to circle back and followup with your vet on this. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would agree with you that this could be something like kennel cough. This is something that most dogs when supported can get through. I would recommend you have Khali evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for this possibility and treat accordingly. Antibiotics are usually prescribed as part of the treatment protocol. Good luck and have a great day!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Although there are many causes of coughing (heart disease, collapsing trachea, pneumonia, etc.), the most likely cause for the coughing given Emmie's history is 'Kennel Cough' or Infectious tracheitis. This is a viral infection that causes irritation in the trachea and a cough. It can become very severe such that the coughing prevents eating/sleeping and leads to weight loss and depression. If the coughing is severe you can ask your vet about anti-tussives (anti-cough medication). Sometimes this infection leads to a secondary bacterial infection, and the cough becomes 'wet' and at this stage antiboitics are required. I recommend a visit to your vet, x-rays might be required depending on how the lungs sound when your vet listens to the chest. Best of luck with Emmie.