Am I doing enough for my sick puppy? Possible Distemper or Pneumonia?

Question

My 3 month old pup (adopted 2 weeks ago from a shelter) was sent home with meds for his "kennel cough" he seemed to be getting better, but his meds ran out Wednesday and his cough and runny green mucus discharge from his nose came back on Saturday. We took him to a vet immediately and he's back on meds (Clavamox, Cough Tabs, Guaffeisen and Dextrometh..sp?). He seemed to pep back up and is still eating, drinking and playing...but when I woke up early this morning, his poor little nose was caked with green mucus to the point that I dont know how the little guy was breathing through his nostrils. I havent seen it this bad and now Im worried. The vet on Saturday said that it was probably pnemonia but could be distemper (because of the green mucus in his nose). Am I just being a worried "mom" about this and not giving the meds enough time to work or is there something else I should be doing? Poor little guy was up half the night coughing.

If it were truly distemper, would the meds even help? He seems to be feeling better than he did Saturday, so the meds have improved his condition a bit... I just want to rule out distemper asap for piece of mind and peace for the pup!

Answer 1

if you have a vaporizer use it like you would with a child with a cough ask the Vet if this would be ok. It's not distemper so put your mind at ease.

Answer 2

You may want to get a shot for him and give him some vitiams.

Answer 3

Unfortunately this wretched bug hits puppies and the elderly particularly hard.  You do need something to help break up the mucus like a vapouriser.  How long was he on the meds?  Could be he needs to be on just a bit longer.  Provided he doesn't deteriorate further (in which case I'd expect your vet to admit him so they can monitor what's going on - he may need oxygen to help the breathing) I think you just have to hang in there.  Did you vet suggest Benylin although it sounds like it's more the mucus through the nose than actually coughing that's his problem.  For sure, if he goes downhill further, don't hesitate to get him straight back to the vet.

I'd say this def. isn't distemper - the vet should have reacted if that was the case.

Pity the Shelter put this on you to clear up - I hate that!!

Answer 4

Normally, kennel cough will run its course even without medication in about a week, that is, unless it turns into pneumonia which sounds like what has happened with your pup.  Stick with the meds given by the vet.  You can also get an over the counter cough suppressant for babies like Sudefed which will help the pup be more comfortable so he can sleep throughout the night.  This will also help his healing.  Keep him warm and comfortable and watch his temperature.  Temperature is easy to take rectally with a digital thermometer.  Notify your vet if the temperature goes over 102.5 at any time.  

If you don't see an improvement in the next few days, contact your vet again as your pup might need stronger medications.