About MAJO Expertise I have 3 years in pre-vet school (animal science) and am certified in canine behavior and nutrition. I currently own and operate my own business training dogs for private in home training, and group classes. I have competed in conformation, agility, obedience, sheep herding trails, luring and Schutzhund competititions. I have been training for over 15 years and have worked with all breeds including, uncommon and rare breeds. I have seen and heard it all. I also work as a surgery and emergency technician; and I can help with general health concerns. Please feel free to contact me with questions. I also have knowledge in cat and small animal/rodent behavior
Experience I have 3 years in pre-vet school (animal science) and am certified in canine behavior and nutrition. I currently own and operate my own business training dogs for private in home training, and group classes. I have competed in conformation, agility, obedience, sheep herding trails, luring and Schutzhund competititions. I have been training for over 15 years and have worked with all breeds including, uncommon and rare breeds. I have seen and heard it all. I also work as a surgery and emergency technician; and I can help with general health concerns. Please feel free to contact me with questions. I also have knowledge in cat and small animal/rodent behavior
Education/Credentials
3 years Texas A&M University as an animal science/pre > vet major. I am certified through Cornell University for canine behavior and nutrition. I have experience in all areas. 15 years training, showing, competing, and studying dogs and their behavior. Also 10 + years working in vet hospitals as a tech and emergency tech.
Question My wife and have a 1 1/2 yo male Chihuahua-Boston Terrier mix that has a real problem with congestion.
The problem seems more pronounced at sleep, with audible gurggling and snoring sounds.
He has a good appetite, is active and slightly overweight (weighs approx 17 lbs.)
He's been x-rayed, lungs are clear.
They thought that he appeared to have a slightly enlarged heart. He was taken to a cardiology specialist and that was negative.
Current medication is Temaril-P tabs, no real relief with this.
He has also been on Atarax 25mg Hydroxyzine with about the same level of relief.
I know that slimming his little butt down will help, and we are in the process of doing that.
He gaets a little dry ceral in the morning (Special K), and for snacks during the day we leave out baby carrots for them. We have 3 dogs.
They love to eat the carrots.
Is there an alternative medication method that can be tried?
Thanks for your assistance,
D. Budaj
Answer Mr. Budaj,
First, I want to address the fact that most Brachycephalic breeds, (those with abnormally short noses and jaws such as Bulldogs, Boxers and Boston Terries), are generally affected with obstructed breathing. Due to small nostrils and an overly long soft palate, (which can also predispose them to the closing of the larynx), these breeds are known to snort, snore and appear congested.
The medication Hydroxyzine, (Atarax), is an antihistamine used in treating the release of histamine - a chemical that is released in the body in response to inflammation and allergy, when histamine attacks the H1 receptors,( H1 receptors affect small blood vessels and smooth muscle), the small blood vessels dilate and fluid begins to leak out. The results are tissue swelling and itchiness. In addtion the smooth muscles lining the small airways, constrict causing tightness and some breathing difficulty. The key words here are "in addtion to", for the first indication of an allergic reaction is the swelling usually on the face or around the eyes and itchy skin. If your dog has not been displaying these additional symptoms; than I am lead to believe that the problem is not related to allergies, but more to his breed(s).
I think you hit the button right on the nose when you say that a little weigh loss will help with the problem, but overall he may have congestion like symptoms all his life. (I have two Boston Terries and they both have been banned from my bedroom at night because of their loud snoring).
Although the use of antihistamines may offer some relief, in most cases such as yours, it will only mask the problem or not offer any help at all. I am a firm believer that treating a dog for non-specified condition with chemicals and drugs, leads to other symptoms and problems not related to the original complaint. Unfortunately, it is all to common in the veterinary practice, for because we can not always pinpoint exact causes, or have the dogs describe his condition in depth to use, many veterinarians resort to the only solutions they know, drug therapy.
His problem may very well be related to allergies, however I feel the problem is due to his genetic makeup, and they fact that over the last hundred years people have bred certain breeds of dogs to have various health conflicting appearances. Why people find these “pushed face” and “apple headed”, breeds astatically pleasing, I will never understand.
Regardless, the breeding of these breeds continues based on looks rather than health stability. All breeds are affected, but some suffer the consequences more than others. The condition known a Bracycepohalicism is considered a genetic defect for the reasons that it causes breathing problems in both dogs and cats, not to mention several other related problems such as eye problems, pituitary cysts, and obesity. Because the dog experiences trouble breathing they assume be a couch potato and comfortable lying around rather than lead a more active lifestyle. It is sad, but despite protest, breeders will continue on to breed these dogs this way.
The good news is your dog is a mix, making his palate more elongated than other Boston Terriers, and his problem less of a concern that purebreds. However, Chihuahuas have their fair share of breed related problems as well.
I will offer a few suggestions that may provide some relief, however if his condition becomes worse or if he displays true symptoms of trouble breathing, particularly bouts of failed rapid air intake, or fainting; than the problem would be of real concern and may have to be addressed surgically. This is rare and most veterinarians will try to avoid having to perform this type of surgery, as it is difficult and risky.
I first recommend you look to his diet. Most if not all, health related problems in are pets today related back to their diet. I am a big advocate of natural or raw diets and since I have switched my own six dogs to this type of diet, I can't even begin to list the health and behavior related problems that have eliminated.
A good diet indicated for allergy symptoms in dogs is as listed: 1/2 cup lamb, mutton, or chicken (raw), 6 ounces tofu, 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice, buckwheat, millet or oats, 1/4 cup grated vegetables, and added supplementations of particularly vitimin C, and B-complex,(50 mg daily). There is a great product on the market called; “The Missing Link “, that is a broad spectrum food supplement that when added to his food, (in addtion to your other dogs as well), will aid in providing him all lost or deficient nutrients..
If a raw diet seems too much work, than there are a few dog foods on the market that I recommend. They are Innova, (California Natural), Solid Gold, (Hundeneflocken), or Natural Life, (Lambaderm). Most large pet supply stores will have the supplement “The Missing Link”, and may offer one, if not all of these foods. If you are unable to find them, I suggest you look to their websites for places in your area that they are available. (The websites will also offer more informative information about these foods, and their benefits).
I have also found a good amount of information about raw diets and their benefits on the internet. Even if he is exhibiting an inhalant allergy, to an airborne type allergy a high quality diet will aid in providing relief.
Finally, there is a holistic remedy that is indicated for wheezing, labored breathing in overweight dogs, and dogs that experience nasal congestion at night. It is Ammonium Camb., and can be found anywhere that holistic or homeopathic remedies are sold. I suggest you try these options and avoid any unnecessary antihistamines and or steroids.
You should notice not only a difference at night, but in helping him lose and maintain a proper body weigh and overall long term health.
I hope this offers some alternatives for helping this problem. Please feel free to get back to me with any additional problems or concerns.
All the best,
Jodi
