It started a few weeks ago with a cough. The local V-E-T suggested it could be kennel cough or bronchitis. It is hard to say if the medication they prescribed worked so today, we pursued the next step: a chest x-ray.
For the most part, everything looked good. There was only one potential problem area. The V-E-T showed us one picture, taken while Mr. K was on his right side. It was marked with a big "X" and had the number 11.23 written next to it. The V-E-T explained this was his vertebral heart score - a method V-E-T-S use to measure heart sizes across breeds and assess for cardiac enlargement. He said it could be normal for the Scottish Terrier breed or it could be indicative of heart disease. "Doctor Google" told me the normal vertebral heart score for dogs of any breed is between 8.4 and 10.5...so naturally, I was very worried.
The V-E-T sent the pictures to a board certified radiologist who could better assess the x-rays on hand. Luckily, the radiologist believes Mr. K's heart looks fine and is normal for the breed. Still, we have a small, yet persistent cough problem to resolve so the V-E-T came up with another potential remedy: Zyrtec. Yes, you read that right!
Allergies can be a source of inflammation and therefore, a reason for Mr. K's coughing. So, for the next two weeks, he will take 10mg of Zyrtec and we will evaluate for effectiveness or next courses of action then. I have never heard of a dog taking Zyrtec, have you? All I know is that, as a chronic allergy sufferer for the last 22 years, I have used Zyrtec and it never fails to knock both me and my symptoms out every time. The down side? I'm seldom awake to reap the rewards of a good antihistamine. I am curious to see how Zyrtec affects Mr. K and can only hope it brings him relief. Fingers and paws crossed for continued good results, please!
Good news!!!
ReplyDeleteYes! I HAVE heard of dogs taking Zyrtec! I cannot remember who, but I believe it was somebody in our Scottie Facebook group! And 10 mg was the dosage I remember. It's entirely possible for a dog to have that sinus type drainage, and it might make Mr. K cough, or if it was a human, they might try to clear their throat. I'm guessing Mr. K doesn't know how to clear his throat! We're all hoping that Mr. K just has allergies! Paws crossed, and please kiss both Mr. K and Heather for all of us!
ReplyDeleteOur Toby was on Zyrtec but it didn't get his allergies completely knocked so the vet put him on some allergy medicine we get from the vet. It works great for Toby.
ReplyDeleteOur prior scottie Miss Winnie had an enlarged heart that took her from us I'm so happy to hear it's not an enlarged heart that is causing his cough.
Our Toby was on Zyrtec but it didn't get his allergies completely knocked so the vet put him on some allergy medicine we get from the vet. It works great for Toby.
ReplyDeleteOur prior scottie Miss Winnie had an enlarged heart that took her from us I'm so happy to hear it's not an enlarged heart that is causing his cough.
Our Toby was on Zyrtec but it didn't get his allergies completely knocked so the vet put him on some allergy medicine we get from the vet. It works great for Toby.
ReplyDeleteOur prior scottie Miss Winnie had an enlarged heart that took her from us I'm so happy to hear it's not an enlarged heart that is causing his cough.
There is a bright side. It could have been a diagnosis of something like melanoma or lymphoma. All our best to the "K"ster.
ReplyDeleteThis is good news! We are keeping our paws crossed that the new medication works.
ReplyDeleteBIG licks,
Wally & Sammy
POTP for Mr. K and I hope the Zyrtec will work. I'm glad you got good news from the radiologist... hugs and crossed paws :o)
ReplyDeleteeasy rider
We were wondering if you were going to say more about Mr K ~ other than getting the new harness so as not to pull on this throat. Lee's first Scot had a heart that was measured large and it never bother him at all. He lived to be sixteen and passed from lymphoma. Our vet said he just figured Scotties were little dogs with big hearts. Well Lee knows there hearts are sure full of love. Oh the x-ray was done because he had a little hernia.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a friend
Sweet William The Scot
Yes, Savannah's breeder recommended Zyrtec for her seasonal allergies last fall. I had been using Benadryl...it worked, so I never used Zyrtec. But I keep it in the back of my mind that I can. Good luck to Mr. K.
ReplyDeletePOTP, I hope this works great for MR. K. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteBentley
Paws crossed. Fingers crossed and POTP coming your way. We hope the little man is up chasing squirrels soon.
ReplyDeleteMy Oliver has been on Zyrtec for a while now. It works very well!
ReplyDeleteWe have always used Benadryl for doggie allergies. It thought that Zyrtec was non drowsy.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, hope the Zyrtec works. Our V-e-t prescribed Benadryl for our Westie's skin allergy itching. Our Scottie hasn't had any itching like our Westie, but the V-e-t said dogs can take it based on their weight, and he gave me a chart of dosages according to weights.
ReplyDeleteWe're sending POTP and have all of our appendages crossed. We hope Mr. K is just perfect soon!
Kissies,
Riley-Puppy and Tessie-Girl
My paws are crossed. I hope all will soon be well.
ReplyDelete