Heartworm-Positive Chihuahua With a Constant Cough
by Morrigan
(Freeport, TX)
Recently she was so bad I had to take her in - the Doctor took blood - took x-rays of her heart and then did a test for Cushings Syndrome - I am not sure what the connections is there - but she came home and was much better for about a week - since then she is still having seizures maybe one a week - sometimes not for three weeks. He left me with no diagnosis or prognosis - but he said she had purple gums and he had to give her Oxygen and some kind of injection -
Here is exactly what he gave her: Lasix 5% Injection Torbugesic Injection up to 15 lbs Oxygen Therapy Blood Work 17 panel/PCV Blood Work Electrolytes Phenobarbital Levels
He followed that up the next week with: Blood Work:Low Dose Dexamethasone Radiographs first view w DVM eval Radiographs each addition view ???????
He said he wanted to see her heart - for that he needed two x-rays - strange for such a tiny heart - but anyway - she was better after she came home - but now she is going back into the awful coughing stage - and she is overweight - but he agreed it's not what and how much she eats - because I have no reason to lie and showed him - about two teaspoonfuls a day - now diet food.
I want to find something for here that will help her cough - it
And really - I would hesitate to let him operate - I Just lost another little dog he operated on - funny circumstances - but no proof on my side to say anything - just suspicions.
If you could help me I would forever be grateful and so would little Charm.
Morrigan
We're sorry Charm is struggling, Morrigan. Her heartworm infection is very likely part of the picture. Heartworms live in the heart and lung arteries and commonly cause coughing, tiring easily and breathing trouble. The X-rays of her heart, the oxygen and the Lasix (a diuretic that removes excess fluid) suggest her vet was worried about her heart and lungs. The Torbugesic (butorphanol) she received is also used as a cough suppressant.
Because she has several serious conditions at once (heartworm, seizures, possible Cushing's and a cough), please ask for clear answers about her heartworm treatment plan and what the X-rays showed. If you can't get them, a second opinion or referral to a veterinary internal medicine specialist or cardiologist is reasonable. Purple gums and struggling to breathe are emergencies, so go straight to a vet or emergency clinic if that happens again.
Don't give human cough or cold products without your vet's approval. Some contain xylitol, which can cause a dangerous drop in a dog's blood sugar, and some multi-symptom products contain painkillers or decongestants that are unsafe for dogs. See our pages on heartworm symptoms and causes of coughing in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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