Asthma?

[Ash]

My 9 year old dog has had what looks like asthma attacks for many years. They don't come often, maybe once in three months, a little more in the winter when the nights are cold. He gets them when he is resting or sleeping. Then he will suddenly get up - or try to - on his front paws, while his rear stays on the ground. He will lift his head and his whole body goes tense while he strongly draws air in in a kind of snorting way (through the nose I think), like the sound one does when one attempts to clean the sinuses. It sounds horrible. He does that anything between 2-3 times up to 12-15 times, and then slowly relaxes. I'm describing this because no vet has yet been sure what it is - none has seen him like this - and they all say "probably asthma or an allergy".

My vet has now prescribed Prednisolone 5mg twice a day to give him when it happens for 3 days and once a day for 4 more days.

He also recently has started to gag sometimes when he's lying on his back (not on the side). He then quickly turns around on his belly and coughs and gags without producing anything. But this lasts only for a few seconds. I don't know if these two things are related.

I mentioned both to my vet, asked her if there could be problems with the heart, and she said, no, because he gets these symtpoms when he's resting. If it was the heart, he would get them while he's active.

I was wondering if I should do a test? We just had full bloodwork done and the packed cell volume was a little low (32%) and the BUN a little high (45mg/dl), all else was normal. Is there a test for asthma? What can I do to help him when he has these attacks (the first ones I described). All I seem to be able to do is stroke him and talk to him.

[davet]

some times these attack are nothing more than post nasal drip, ie a mucous plug....when dogs learn to spit like people they will be able to controll it...some times if you clap your hands behind him when he is doing this it makes them gulp and the muscus plug get swalloed.....i am not saying that is what tnis without hearing itjbut it souncds kindof familiar...also if it contiunes for a period of time take him in the bathroom and turn on the hot water and steam the place up..it might help.. usually is an alalergic resp0onse..but see if the pred works but if it is PND then the shower might be better......just a guess

[Ash]

So it doesn't sound like asthma to you?

[Traci]

Athma symptoms are more like wheezing and shortness of breath, not like the symptoms you are describing. It sounds more like a sneeze (or reverse sneeze) that may be a result of dust, pollen, smoke, or other environmental contaminants. However, due to his age, I would opt for a chest x-ray to rule out bacteria, fluid, organ size etc and if there are any unusual findings on the x-rays (blotchy areas, diffused areas), then your vet would want to investigate more.

[davet]

can't say at all what iyt sounds like to me without hearing it..descriptions of sounds and actions do not make for a good diagnosis...but i think if you follow what Traci says you might find esactl;y what it is

[Ash]

There's no wheezing or shortness of breath. Just this violent snort ... I'm glad you didn't say 'heartworms' or 'asthma'. X-ray is a good idea. Thank you both!

[Traci]

Heartworm carries various symptoms and not every pet will exhibit the same symptoms. Coughing, shortness of breath, vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, lethargy, exercise intolerance, labored breathing (or crackles heard) and sudden death can all be signs of heartworm infection, while some dogs are asymptomatic and may not show any clinical signs at all until late or end-stage problems. An antigen test can help determine if heartworm is present. Testing for heartworm should always be done on dogs in prevalent areas, and before prescribing heartworm medication.