The pets look good when they are running
in the house but the worry increases when they are in the flu season; sneezing,
coughing, and of course, having respiratory distress. Coughing and sneezing are
very natural mechanisms to get the irritant out of our respiratory system, but
sometimes the coughing and sneezing mechanisms are intertwined with the
mechanism of our body to help get rid of pathogens! Let’s know about the respiratory distress
in pets.
Coughing
A
cough, also medically termed as ‘tussis’, is a voluntary or involuntary act
that clears the throat and respiratory or the breathing passage of foreign
agents such as microbes, pollutants, irritants, fluids, and mucus. It is a
rapid expulsion of air from the lungs as a reflex action or deliberate action. One
such system is the physical barriers such as cilia/ hair/ etc. which are
present on the mucous membrane of the nose, which helps prevent the pathogen
from entering the body. On irritation of these, there is reflex sneeze which
expels the pathogen out.
Defense Mechanism
Cough
helps and aids the body to get rid of pathogens by providing protection and also
aids in clearing the airway.
1. Fight against Pathogen
The coughing mechanism of our body is helpful in hinting at a probable infection. As the infection rises, there is more cough and cold as the body is trying to compensate and fight against the micro-organism. On the flip side, as the infection falls, or as the immunity builds, the cough and cold levels start dropping down, which again helps us to realize that infection has been cured or minimized to a greater extent.
2. Coughing can transmit Pathogens.
Coughing and sneezing, although normal,
has the capability to transmit bacteria, viruses that is, if the root cause of
coughing is indeed a disease-causing pathogen. Although, normal sneeze and
cough due to allergens dust, dander, allergy-causing items may not particularly
pose a threat of transmitting any bacteria/viruses.
If a healthy dog comes in contact with a
coughing dog that has been diagnosed with kennel cough, it’s pretty obvious
that the healthy dog might get an infection.
Tip – A persistent cough during the evening or night hours indicates
heart problems [Serious and life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary
embolism or Congestive heart Failure] so it’s best to get your pet diagnosed at
the earliest for any doubts about the cause of coughing/wheezing.
Signs
Coughing
could be because of the influenza virus causing normal seasonal flu to
life-threatening conditions such as CHF or Allergic reaction. It’s best to get
your pet diagnosed at the earliest to avoid any future obstacles in the
recovery phase.
A. Type of Cough: Dry Cough [without sputum or mucus
being expectorated/ coming out from throat or Productive Cough [with sputum/
mucus accompanying coughing]
1. Dry cough- could be because of asthma or allergy. Other causative
factors involve viral respiratory infections. In kennel cough, particularly,
there is a honking type of coughing.
2. Productive cough – it could be because of respiratory infections,
pneumonia, or bronchiectasis, etc.
B. The period of coughing. I.e., whether the cough lasts
for a few hours or more than few days or is worsening as time passes by.
1. Acute Cough: If the cough lasts only for a few hours and subsides,
then it’s an acute cough
2. Chronic Cough: If it lasts for more than a few weeks, it may be a
chronic cough due to some health issues.
Generally,
allergens cause short-term coughs. Even some mild respiratory infections last
for a few days. Prolonged coughing needs to be diagnosed thoroughly as the
causative factor could be the heart itself. Thus proper medical help should be
sought out at the earliest to rule out or rule in cardiac complications and
cardiac diseases.
C. Behavioral Aspects- If your pet is depressed or seems
extra tired if they have Anorexia – i.e., they won’t eat.
D. Rise
in temperature – Keep an eye on whether they have a fever. This could be easily
attributed to infectious disease progression.
Diagnosis:
The Diagnosis is done on the type of
cough, the consistency of it, and the time period your veterinarian will
diagnose your pet on the basis of some tests
BLOOD PANEL
Your Vet may suggest a routine blood check-up
to rule out or rule in Infections. A complete blood count test (CBC) gives a
clear picture regarding the blood cells and whether there’s an infection going
on in the body.
X-RAY
X-Ray is an extremely handy diagnostic
tool as it can check the lung patterns and even the heart for any lesion which
may cause coughing in your pets.
History
Based on the history of signs and symptoms
that your pet may be exhibiting, a good diagnosis can be made. Diagnosis is
based partly on history as well! Hence it’s essential that you give a proper
and complete history of the signs that your pet exhibits.
If with
coughing you notice any other signs and symptoms and if there are any other
concerns, which you may have, should be promptly expressed to your Vet.
Treatment Protocols
Treatment is based on diagnosing. If your
pet has coughing due to Respiratory causes, your Vet may suggest antibiotics,
fluids, and other such medicines for your pet.
On the
other hand, for coughing caused due to heart problems, the treatment protocol
is totally different and focuses primarily on resolving the heart disease to
subsequently resolve the coughing problem.
Wheez-Go for Pet
Coughing is a natural response by the body to any
irritation or abnormality of the airway. A persistent cough, however, can be a
symptom of a more serious underlying illness or medical condition and can be
spread easily. Germs also can land on Doors, furniture, food bowls, toys, and
other surfaces where the next dog to come along picks them up.
Counter (OTC) homeopathic medicine that
works naturally
No side effects, no drug interactions, no
contraindications
It can be safely used along with other
medications
Drops work instantly when given onto the tongue
Homeopathic Supplement:
Comments
Post a Comment