Bishon Shit su 8mo old puppy with frequent choke like coughs

[StephanieC]

Our puppy cooper seems to have many instances of choke like situations. Frels like he is choking with coughs. Nothing comes out but he acts as it he is going to throw up. It feels like cough. Has happened once in a while in the past but more frequent and he goes through periods of bouts. Typically after water or in the mornings. Some time at other times. Wonder if its just something going the wrong tube. Any thoughts?

 

[Dr. Christina]

Mike, did he start doing it as a young pup, or only as he got older, like 4 or 5 months?

How is he otherwise - BEAM etc?

Does he make that noise when he pulls on the collar?

Dr. Christina

 

[StephanieC]

Thanks for quick response.

he did do this since he was younger but it was infrequent and we didnt really see it that often. He has been doing it more. No he doesnt pull in the collar and we actually have got him a looser collar. His BEAM ia good and no other issues. He just gets these bouts and there is no trend I can point that drives it other than I have noticed post water (althou it has happened at other times too)

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi Mike-

About when was his rabies vaccination?

Can you think of any other triggers or environmental changes before this got worse?

About how often does this occur (at it's worst)?

 

[StephanieC]

Hi Mike-

About when was his rabies vaccination?

Can you think of any other triggers or environmental changes before this got worse?

About how often does this occur (at it's worst)?

His rabies vaccine was around mid April.

i really don't have any patterns I can draw about when this happens. Also, there hasnt been any environmental factors that have changed as such. I have aeen this in the past for last many months but I notice it more often now.

 

[GinnyW]

Just incidentally, think about using a harness for him. A lot healthier - less risk of damage.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

About when did the choking events start?

Ginny raises a great point. Do you use a harness or collar?

 

[StephanieC]

We use harness. Have used it since he came to us. So he isnt pulled on his neck at all. Its not related to being pulled on a collar.

thee cough bouts as Insee them have been periodic for many months. Dont recall exactly when they started. Has occurred more often recently

 

[GinnyW]

In my breed we have seen many cases of laryngeal paralysis. Sometimes this has been in entire litters of newborns, they tell me. Often we see it in aging adults, to more or less of a degree. Some are in great difficulty, others just noisy and have difficulty upon exertion. I firmly believe there is a link here to vaccine damage. Were it I, I would do everything to address any symptoms that pop up as if this is indeed vaccine-mediated. Can't hurt...

 

[MauraF]

Another thing to look into is tracheal collapse. You may want to schedule a vet visit for Cooper. Best wishes and please keep us updated. It's Like Trying to Pull Air Through a Flattened Straw - Is Your Dog at Risk? | American Shih Tzu Club

 

[StephanieC]

Thanks for the feedback. We will keep monitoring. Since last week he hasnt had the issue at all. So will keep watching and explore next steps.