NOT AGAIN!!

[Nancy (Spuddie' s Mum)]

I am so frustrated. I took in two foster Chihuahuas the first of November and we fought off an upper respritory infection that finally went away. Last weekend one of the Chi's went to an adoption fair then stayed at the rescue coordinator's home for a couple of days until I could get him back (he was not adopted). So, what do I notice after he has been home for a day or two, more snorting and sounding stuffy. The chill went down my spine, as I had been virus free for almost three weeks after rounds of antibiotics for five dogs, what a pain. So now, I noticed my Pom starting to snort, but he and the Chi seem to have fought it off because after a couple of days with it, it appears to have subsided. I guess they now have some imunity to it. The bad thing is that the other Chihuahua has it again and he had it the worst the first time. I am thinking because he was thrown on his face (he was abused in his previous life), that he might have some kind of snout problem that does not allow his sinuses to drain and so he can't "wash out" the infection like the others. So when he gets this infection he sounds like an asthma patient who can't get his breath and reverse sneezes constantly. I have one full round of antibiotics that I could give him, but I also have my sister coming today for a two week visit and of course, she will be bringing her dog - just perfect.

So I guess what I am asking here is: Should I put the Chi back on the antibiotics again, or should I wait and see if this will run it's course, he really sounds awful once he starts "snorting." As a foot note, come the new year I am going to have the vet take a look at his snout too.

[Traci]

Don't give the antibiotics without consulting with your vet first. Antibiotics should only be used when you know what exactly you're treating. Plus, we don't know what type of antibiotics you have on hand, if they have been mixed and are expired or not. (amoxicillin and clavamox for example, need to be discarded after 14 days if they have been reconstituted with water). We also don't know the exact type of viral the dogs seem to be suffering, therefore, they may need a different type antibiotic that is more susceptible.

Some virals or bacterial infection can indeed reoccur during times of stress. While you feel you may have gotten it under control and eradicated, it is obvious that it wasn't eradicated. This is only one reason why you need to consult your vet about antibiotic use because it could be something that needs further explored or another type antibiotic altogether.

I would get the one dog checked by your vet ASAP, since your sister's dog is going to be exposed, you will want to know what you're exposing her dog to.

[Nancy (Spuddie' s Mum)]

I have dry amoxicillin, I have not added the water to it as yet. It worked well the last time, but while it is possible that it was not gone and stress brought it out in Smokey (he was at the fair), then why would it come out again in the other Chihuahua (Chewie, the one with snout problems) as he did not go anywhere at all (we are keeping him). They were all totally fine as they were "snort" free for at least two weeks before Smokey went to the fair. While I may be wrong, I personally believe he has been reinfected with the virus and is reinfecting all the others again too. Rescue is the one giving me the antibiotics to treat them based on the symptoms and what they have given me works great, but I also wonder if I did nothing this would just run it's course anyway. I would like to take poor Chewie to the vet now to have his nose swabbed for identification of what this is, but I am absolutely out of $$ right before Christmas and we don't get paid again until next week, so I have to make due with what I have to work with. Not to fun at all.

[E's]

I strongly agree with Traci about not giving more antibiotics without the specific advice of a vet familiar with the animal's recent medical history. Remember, antibiotics do NOT work on VIRAL infections, in animals any more than in humans... antibiotics "kill off" many of the "good" bacteria in a mammal's system, thereby leaving the person/pet more vulnerable to subsequent bacterial infections. Also, there are a jillion viral strains loose in the world, especially now that we are in global living mode.

Some 'home remedy' things which can help with stuffiness:

1. Get moisture in the air: run vaporizers night and day (no menthol or whatever is necessary - just plain water vapor) in pet/kid-safe locations. If no vaporizers are available, place pans of water on heating outlets (again, safely of course) and/or on stove burners turned low.

2. Try to increase the fluid intake - nondairy - with cooled, unsalted or low salt meat broth - chicken or beef etc. While it's not exactly low sodium the spring water from canned tuna is fluid my monster dog (a GSD who was raised by cats) loves to get... I also find canned pumpkin is a cure-all and fluid adder for cleaning out E's system, but don't know if a Chi should have that...

3. And of course I'm sure you're keeping the little dogs warm... I don't know much about the Chi breed per se, but I'm from San Antonio, Texas where the Chi has always been very popular, and I remember Chi owners worrying about keeping the little fellows warm enough in winter... Think maybe I'd have them potty indoors if that were possible.

It's no fun having family sick during the Holidays... Good luck; I'll be thinking about you.
************
Dot in N'Awlins [where it's c-o-l-d also! like in the 30's again this morning even here on the South Shore of Lake Pontchartrain ]

[momPaws]

No med. advice from me, Nancy, but sympathy...my daughter went thru this when she adoped a pet from Petsmart- and her two present pets got it too...you guessed it same thing- antibiotics for 3 animals. I can imagaine how difficult than must be. Hope all works out well for you.

[Nancy (Spuddie' s Mum)]

I appreciate all your adivce, but I am happy to report that I over reacted. What seemed to be the "virus" seems to have disappeared from the Chihuahua's all together. I am always so concerned for them all that I tend to jump the gun and over react. However, I guess what I thought was that thing coming back, was just normal dog stuff. LOL What a relief. However I have decided not to foster anymore because of this sort of thing. It has really taught me a lesson. Thank you as always for your advice.

[k9Karen]

Could it be allergies or just very dry air?