Monty - Kennel Cough?

[Sandra]

Morning all, just a really quick question. As some of you will know, Monty is now having to go into kennels on Friday (he was originally going to stay with a friend who offers boarding at home, but that's another story!) and the kennel insists on kennel cough vaccine being administered before the visit.

Monty had his vaccination (didn't know it went up their nose!) on Friday and yesterday, Monday, started to make a funny noise. This morning I have come down to a rather hoarse and raspy boy. He is absolutely fine in himself, jumping around like a mad thing, has eaten all his breakfast and seems quite happy - the only difference is the "cough" which sounds a bit like he is trying to strangle himself on a lead walk!! I have just spoken to the head vet at my practice and he says it sounds like Monty has a mild form of kennel cough as a result of his vaccination. He assures me this will have no bearing on his visit to the kennels and that he should be fine in a day or two. I'm not so sure, I don't want to get to the kennels to be turned away - we are going to France so don't have the option of taking Monty with us and there is no-one at home to look after him.

I have just scoured the internet for info. on kennel cough and found that Manuka honey is recommended to ease the symptoms (vet said to leave well alone, it will clear in a day or so) which I have in the cupboard, anyone know what sort of dose is recommend on a daily basis? Is there anything else I can do to try to get rid of the wretched thing?

It never rains and all that!!

[Kimberley]

My last dog used to be like this, they have to inject them with the virus so it sometimes bring on a small cough. I think Monty will be fine, he has a few days to settle down.

[Fluffy]

Aww,sorry i can,t help chick,but if the vet reckons he,ll be ok,i,m sure he will be,i bet you are feeling nervous now,with the holiday looming,don,t worry i,m sure everything will turn out just fine,:075:xxx

[Meerkat]

manuka honey is used by loads of people to help with kennel cough symptoms

SO the choice is yours if you use this or not - I personally can't see it doing any harm as it is natural. But then i am not a vet or qualified to say on way or another - good luck anyhow

[terri]

so sorry to hear about poor Monty..give him a gentle hug from us lot..and hope Monty feels better soon..:075:
i've also pm you too..
take care..:075:

[MightyMouth]

I would give him a spoonful morning and night. I cannot see for the life of me why your vet says leave it alone. It is a natural product, not a medicine! We take honey for colds and dogs are no different. My vet has just cottoned on to the benefits of Manuka honey :046:

[Sandra]

Thank you all for your replies, I'm pleased to report that Monty thinks Manuka is the best things since, well the last treats he had!! Thankfully my boy is a complete pig when it comes to treats (same can't be said about his dinner, at meal times he behaves like a complete gent!) so the teaspoon of honey lasted a second!

He still sounds a bit hoarse, and we have had the odd cough and sneezing fit, but he sounds tons better than he did first thing this morning. He obviously feels ok in himself at the moment, because he's been charging about the garden like a mad thing and managed to dig himself under our shed, and promptly got stuck!:035: The girls and I had to dig him out again!

Will keep you posted on progress, hopefully he will be well enough for the kennels to take him on Friday.

[Kimberley]

Sandra from what you have said, I think the symtom's Monty has is just how my other dog used to react to the vaccine, I wouldn't worry one little bit.

[Sandra]

Quick update, Monty was very hoarse and rattly this morning and wasn't too keen on breakfast, although he happily went out to play in the garden. I spoke to the vets again and they said they wanted to see him to check him out (partic in view of your pm Terri).

When we arrived at the surgery I had to leave him in the car and the vet came out to him. We took him into their paddock so she could check him over - he killed her, in the nicest possible way!! She gave him a thorough MOT, said his temp was high side of normal (boy did he object to having that taken!!), but good news is his chest is clear. On the positive side, he didn't cough at all whilst he chased Claire around the paddock trying to give her cocker kisses, which she said was a good sign. She did, however, suggest adding Benylin to his natural Manuka fix - the boy loves it, despite it being sugar free, colour free and drowsy free (shame!!!)

I also rang the kennels to check what their stance was on vaccine induced KC and they were fine, as long as he is well in himself they are happy to take him and also recommended bringing along the Manuka (and Benylin if we are still using it) just to make sure he is well and truly clear. So, fingers crossed he continues to improve - I am one very relieved cocker mummy!

[terri]

Hi Sandra
glad to hear monty got the all clear at the vets..bless him..its not uncommon for them to get a slight kennel cough after as it is a live vaccine..
lots of tlc..
and hugs to you both..:075:

[MightyMouth]

Poor Monty. Hope he is feeling a bit better now. Hugs from us here xx:077:

[terri]

hope monty is continuing to do well...:078:

[Sandra]

Monty was far less hoarse and croaky this morning thanks Terri, after a couple of seconds of coughing and spluttering he was happy to go running off out into the garden.http://www.vocalcafe.co.uk/images/icons/icon7.gif

He is such a little character, the girls or I only have to get a teaspoon out of the drawer and he slams his little bum on the floor waiting for his Manuka honey or Benylin!! I keep meaning to video him having his meds, he is such a good boy and just sits there happily licking the spoon until everything is gone. We give him the Benylin via a childrens syringe and he is brilliant at taking it, he has to lick the entire thing just to make sure he hasn't missed anything!

[terri]

aw bless him..what a clever boy taking your medicine..thats made me smile..
i'd love to see some video of him taking his medicine..

give him a hug from his auntie..and mazie sends him a get well lick too..
and a hug to you too..hope your not feeling so stressed now...:075: