Please help...worried mom here!!!

**Grandy** · 10-22-2002, 12:05 PM

Hi everyone -

We just got a pure bred, white lab from the Humane society. She seems to be between 2-3 years old.

They told us she has kennel cough and gave us Cephalexin for 10 days. Well, in addition to the cough, she has nasal discharge (and I mean ALOT of it!) It's greenish/yellowish and thick, sometimes with a red tinge of blood in it. Her doggie bed is COVERED with crusty phlegm by the morning.

I took her to the vet and she increased her dosage of Cephalexin. I am concerned about distemper virus because she only had her distemper shot on the 16th of October and she was at the humane society since the 8th (put on the adoption floor on th 17th). I am so worried about this girl...she's great!

Has anyone else's dog experienced this? I am hoping it's just a respiratory or sinus infection that will clear up. ANY help and info. would be GREATLy appreciated!!!

Thank you!!
Amy

**Cincy'sMom** · 10-22-2002, 05:11 PM

From one Amy to another, welcome to PT and congrtas on the new lab.

My Mom got a puppy from a rescue group last May and he came with Kennel Cough. My now 1 yr old lab mix caught it from him, as did my mom's now 13 yr old beagle/poodle mix. All three had a bad cough, but not the nasal discharge. If the meds don't seem to be helping, maybe you should consider a second opinion or I assume there is a way to test for distemper. Force your vet to do it. If you are paying, they shouldn't deny it. Sometimes the extra cost is worth the peace of mind.

Hope your pup feels better soon!

**tatsxxx11** · 10-23-2002, 06:01 PM

Hi Amy! From one Lab Mom to another, congratulations on your new addition. She sounds like such a sweetheart. But how heartbreaking to hear she's not feeling well

Kennel cough can be nasty and sometimes you just have to let it run it's course. The vet seems to have a handle on that though, increasing the Cephalexin. Keep a close eye on her and if you have any concerns about her nasal discharge, coughing etc. or if she seems worse, call her/him immdediately!! That's what they are there for; I bug mine constantly!

The symptoms you describe though are what you see in a bad case of kennel cough. Did you mention your concerns about the distemper to your vet??? You're right, distemper has some of the very same symptoms. But distemper is very rare these days. With distemper, you also see fever, an elevated white blood count, and refusal to eat. sometimes seizures develop. Is she eating and drinking well?? Did the vet say she had a fever?? Did he do any blood work? I would definitely talk to the vet about that one as I'm sure they can do a distemper titer blood test. Please let us know how your girl is doing. What's her name??? My Lab's name is Star' she's a yellow girl and just turned 4! Best wishes and healing prayers for your beautiful girl! Please give her a hug for me. Sandra

**jackiesdaisy1935** · 10-23-2002, 09:27 PM

Hi Amy, I can't give you any advice, I just wanted to Welcome you to Pet Talk. I think Sandra gave you some excellent advice and I hope your pup is feeling better soon. I don't have a Lab but we have two Mini Schnauzers, Miss Daisy and Perry, will be looking forward to your posts and stories about your baby.
Jackie, Miss Daisy and Perry

**Grandy** · 10-24-2002, 12:28 PM

HI everyone -

Thanks so much for your replies about our lab w/ kennel cough (her name is Bu....prounounced "Boo"). She seems to be doing much better...eating more, drinking a LOT and more active. You all helped me to put my mind at ease. I took her to two different animal hospital's actually, and at both, her temperature was around 102.7 (they said it was fine, 103 is a low-grade fever). She had no vomiting, diarrhea or eye discharge, so it looks like a bad case of kennel cough that is clearing up (fingers crossed!)

One thing though, she is housebroken (we've had her for 5 days and no problems), except last night, she went into the living room & peed on the carpet. My husband wasn't too happy.....Do you think the Cephalexin and the cough pills may have contributed to that accident? This is the 1st time she's had an accident since we had her. I'm just concerned if it's just an "accident" or maybe caused by the antibiotics.

Either way, we'll work w/ her to ensure she "takes it outside" from now on

Thanks again for your support & information!!!! All of your dogs are ADORABLE!!!!

Amy

**Karen** · 10-24-2002, 02:09 PM

So glad Bu is feeling somewhat better! I didn't post a first because when I was a kid, my neighbor's gorgeous Labbie boy, Laddie, got kennel cough and died while he was being boarded and they were on vacation. Didn't want to raise that spectre 'til she was feeling better, which she is!

Welcome, welcome to Pet Talk! Congratulations on getting Bu! I bet that one mistake was just a one-time-thing, but just keep an eye on her the next few days to be sure. Poor baby, she's been through a lot, hasn't she? But now she's got a home and LOVE! Yay for you and your dog named Bu!

**tatsxxx11** · 10-24-2002, 03:46 PM

Hi Amy! I'm so relieved to hear Bu is doing better!!

She sounds like a gem of a girl and as one who is involved in Lab rescue, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving her such a WONDERFUL forever home! As for the "accident," I think it may be a combination of several things...a new home, new routine, being sick and you did mentin that she was drinking a lot of water as she recouperates. I'm sure you've been focusing more on her illness than training right now and as soon as she's feeling better, I'm sure that with a little guidance she'll learn to do her "outies" outside!

Maybe in the meantime you could gate off the kitchen area and keep her out of the other rooms until you feel she is more reliable? I would try and establish a regular routine for going out and doing potty, praising her when she's done, etc. There are so many others much more knowledgeable in training methods than I. If you continue to have problems, post a thread in "Behavior." I know many would love to share their advice! If you are able, sometime in the future, we would all love to see a picture of Bu! In the meantime, give her a big, big get well hug from me, Star and Cody!! And thank you again for going the rescue route. I know you won't regret it!! Fondly, Sandra

**KYS** · 10-24-2002, 08:43 PM

Amy, so glad to hear that Bu is feeling much better.
Fingers are still crossed for a speedy recovery.

**Logan** · 10-24-2002, 11:19 PM

I didn't respond before because I simply had no answers. But I'm glad she's better and you did get some helpful information here!!

And Karen was right on track with what I immediately thought when she said

Yay for you and your dog named Bu!

All I could think of was that old song "Me and you and a dog named Boo".

I love the name!!

Welcome to Pet Talk!! We love all dogs around here, and those of us in rescue get all excited when we hear another life has been saved by a loving family!! I have two Golden Retrievers (not rescues, but they rescued me in a way and continue to do so daily).

It's great to meet you and your Bu! Hope she feels better soon!!

Logan

**Sudilar** · 10-25-2002, 12:11 AM

So glad you rescued Bu. Hope she gets well quick.

**Grandy** · 10-25-2002, 12:43 PM

You guys are wonderful!!

Thanks so much for the encouragement & advice. Yes, we've been praising the heck out of her when she goes potty every time outside. I think she just went through alot & is still adjusting (plus, being sick doesn't help).

It's funny, Logan, my husband has been singng that song to her too "Me & You and a dog named Boo!" Ha ha!!! Too cute!

Well, thanks again and I'll try to post some pics soon. I hope you and all your furry friends have a great weekend!!!!!

Amy

**tatsxxx11** · 10-25-2002, 06:09 PM

I'll be thinking of you this weekend, Bu!!! Get well very soon, and please come back and visit us when you're feeling better!

Pics....Please!!

Have a good weekend Amy and Bu!!

**Cincy'sMom** · 10-27-2002, 10:23 AM

So glad Bu is feeling better!

**K9karen** · 10-28-2002, 10:32 AM

Hi Amy! How's Bu??? Hopefully no more accidents..Feeling yucky plus all the anti-biotics can really put a girl in a tizzy!! Waiting for pictures! Congratualtions on your new arrival!

**Grandy** · 10-28-2002, 11:48 AM

Hi everyone -

Thanks again so much for asking about our girl, Bu. She is feeling much better....she still has a bit of a cough, but much less phlegm on her doggie bed this morning!!!

We took her to our mountain cabin this weekend (we live in Colorado) and she loved it!! Her sniffer was working overtime!!

We took some pictures, but we have to download them. In the meantime, I'll try to post the picture that I downloaded from the humane society while she was there....I hope it works. (It may be a bit blurry though....)

How was everyone's weekend? Great I hope!! Thanks again for your continued support!!!!

Amy