Why is my senior dachshund coughing with Cushing's and a heart murmur?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on March 14th, 2017

  Since there has been no improvement, consider a recheck or second opinion. Kennel cough typically resolves on its own within a week or two but the cough can linger for longer. In older dogs, younger dogs and immune compromised dogs, it may lead to secondary infections and pneumonia. Chest xrays should be done to assess the heart and lungs. An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) can be done to assess cardiac architecture and function. Afterwards, cardiac medications can be dispensed if indicated.

  

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• Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 4th, 2019

  Cough can be associated with the heart as you read online, with the airways/lungs (respiratory tree), with the chest cavity in general (outside the lungs), and occasionally in occasion with GI issues. Because there is a history of a heart murmur it would be very important to investigate this first. Onset of a new cough with this history is concerning for possible heart failure or the development of a secondary condition (such as pulmonary hypertension). Because it can be difficult to differentiate a cardiac cough from a respiratory cough just based on the symptoms it would be important for Rudy to see your vet for a good chest auscultation and chest x-rays to start. It heart disease is suspected then consultation with a cardiologist for heart ultrasound, etc. is likely to be recommended. If a respiratory component is suspected then this would be managed quite differently. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

  

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• Answered By Christie Long, DVM

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on February 19th, 2017

  I would add to Dr. Melanie's excellent advice below that it take 24 - 48 hours for pneumonia to become obvious on x-rays, so it's possible that Moxie has pneumonia, but at the time the x-rays were taken the pneumonia wasn't visible.

  

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