Kennel Cough or Canine Influenza?

[Michaele71]

My familiy just adopted an 18 month old boxer from the local Humane Society on Friday. Sunday evening she starting coughing with the " barking" cough assoiciated with Kennel Cough. Monday morning, the cough was accompanied by white foam and retching. I took her to the VCA Veterinarian, who gave me an antibiotic(Clavamox) and suppressant (hydrocodone). By Tuesday, the dog was tremendously worse. I took her back, and was given instructions to discontinue the Hydrocodone, and replace with 4ml doses of liquid Pediatric Robitussen Cold & Cough 2-3 times per day. They also gave her a shot of Tormadol(sp??) to sedate her to give her some much needed rest.

This evening, I returned from work to find her very lethargic, and exhibiting signs of joint pain in both front legs. She wont stand or sit, just lays there, has no appetite, and yelps when you try to move her in any way.

Any ideas if this is possibly not Kennel cough, or a reaction to any of the meds? I have another Veterinarian appointment in the am, but I want to find some information prior to this. Thanks for any help.

[bitterrootbullies]

Originally Posted by Michaele71

My familiy just adopted an 18 month old boxer from the local Humane Society on Friday. Sunday evening she starting coughing with the " barking" cough assoiciated with Kennel Cough. Monday morning, the cough was accompanied by white foam and retching. I took her to the VCA Veterinarian, who gave me an antibiotic(Clavamox) and suppressant (hydrocodone). By Tuesday, the dog was tremendously worse. I took her back, and was given instructions to discontinue the Hydrocodone, and replace with 4ml doses of liquid Pediatric Robitussen Cold & Cough 2-3 times per day. They also gave her a shot of Tormadol(sp??) to sedate her to give her some much needed rest.

This evening, I returned from work to find her very lethargic, and exhibiting signs of joint pain in both front legs. She wont stand or sit, just lays there, has no appetite, and yelps when you try to move her in any way.

Any ideas if this is possibly not Kennel cough, or a reaction to any of the meds? I have another Veterinarian appointment in the am, but I want to find some information prior to this. Thanks for any help.

Hi,
This doesn't sound like any Kennel cough I've heard of, but I'm not an expert. Another trip to the Veterinarian asap is definitely in order. The lethargy and lack of appetite could be a reaction to the meds, but the joint pain is worrisome.
I wouldn't think that canine influenza would cause this type of reaction either though. Lyme disease could cause the joint pain, but wouldn't necessarily cause the respiratory problems....hmmm I don't know what it could be.

Please let us know what the Veterinarian says!
Good luck.
amanda samantha sydney murphy foster and kipling

[Michaele71]

Thanks for the reply. I spent last night feeding Layla ice chips for fluids. She got worse as the night went on. We took her to the Veterinarian this morning and had her admitted to the hospital. She was dehydrated and still lethargic.

As of 8pm, she is much improved. The joint pain was attributed to her laying in one position for long periods of time, and may have pinched some nerves. Once we were able to get her on her feet, she began moving around better.

The Veterinarian changed her meds, and did both x-rays, ultrasounds, and blood work. She is now moving around, rolling over for belly rubs, and wagging her tail. She will be discharged on Saturday, provided she continues to do well.

I will update further, as she progresses.