Dog Nasal Discharge and Respiratory Infection Treatment

by Lisa Beltz
(Lake Villa, IL USA)

Reader Question: Dog Nasal Discharge and Respiratory Problem:

We recently rescued 7-8 yr old Maggie, a rottweiler, from a shelter and she was looked at by a veterinarian who stated she had no issues (Kennel cough not present) except arthritis and she is recovering from a dog fight (puncture wounds in neck are healing well).

We were given cephalexin (500mg) and told to give it to her 2 twice daily along with Previcox 3 57mg pills once daily about 10 days ago.

In the last couple of days I have seen mucus coming from her nose and she has rattling in her chest. She snorts like a pig and purrs like a cat, but with the rattle. The cephalexin is administered with cheese (which seemed to worsen her rattle) but we have now changed to bread with peanut butter, but they don't always go down. I've found the capsules in the water dish later in the day.

Her disposition is exceptional, very cuddly and well trained. Acts like a normal dog who hasn't been through whatever she went through. What can we do differently? Would it be better to take her to another vet for review? We do have another rott, 4 years old, who isn't showing any symptoms, yet.

Veterinarian Suggestion for Respiratory Treatment

Hi Lisa,

I recommend that you talk to the veterinarian who initially examined Maggie. It is certainly possible that a respiratory infection was in the process of developing at her first exam but needed some more time before symptoms became evident, or the signs that you are now seeing could be evidence of a new problem. In either case, an examination and possibly some diagnostic testing should be able to identify what is going on. If, for whatever reason, you do not have confidence in this veterinarian, getting a second opinion from another doctor is a perfectly reasonable course of action.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM