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Ask the Veterinarian/Severe coughing in dogs

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Expert: - 12/16/2009


Question
My dog is nearly 21 years old, weighs 22.4 lbs and three months ago had a complete physical at the Michigna State school of veternarian medicine, trying to identify anatomical reasons for a severe cough.  He has been on Torbuteral and Pred for much of the past year since the coughing intensified, but they are now providing minimal help.  Since the does not cough when at the vets or clinics, I have begun to think about environmental contributing factors.  I've replaced mattresses, bedding, and carpeting is relatively new.  I have asked a contractor to inspect the house and he finds corroded copper sewar pipes in the crawl space need to be replace.  He suspects methane gas--although not detectable from an odor--may be circulating in the house.  In fact, whether coincidence or not, the dog's problems intensify at night when he sleeps in the bedrooms nearest the source of the problem.  Could methane gas be a relevant factor in the dog's condition?

Answer
Maybe you need to have your house checked for radon gas instead. It is colorless and odorless (methane is not odorless) and will cause severe lung problems in dogs and people both. It is a hidden killer.

New carpeting can also be a big problem because of the formaldehyde it is made with. It might not affect you as you are higher up but to a dog it is right in their face.

I developed asthma as a result of a new carpet like this- so that is possibly another cause.

You may have to rip those out and see. At 21 years of age I am surprised this isn't a heart condition causing this instead.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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