K-State veterinarians help dog owners diagnose coughs

Media Relations and Marketing
9 Anderson Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-0117
Phone: 785-532-6415
Fax: 785-532-6418

Information provided by K-State Media Relations, K-State's news service, may be reproduced without permission. The marks and names of Kansas State University are protected trademarks and may not be used in any commercial or private endeavor without the approval of the university.

Sources: William Fortney, 785-532-4605, wfortney@vet.k-state.edu
http://www.mediarelations.k-state.edu/WEB/News/MediaGuide/fortneybio.html
Susan Nelson, 785-532-4130, snelson@vet.k-state.edu
http://www.mediarelations.k-state.edu/WEB/News/MediaGuide/nelsonsusanbio.html
News release prepared by: Chloe Bos, 785-532-6415

Thursday, October 20, 2005

K-STATE VETERINARIANS HELP DOG OWNERS DIAGNOSE COUGHS

MANHATTAN -- Dogs may cough as they drag you down the street with their leash, when they become excited and even when they're sleeping.

"Dogs cough occasionally, just like humans, but persistent or frequent coughing isn't normal," said Susan Nelson, assistant professor at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Kansas State University.

"Coughs are symptoms telling owners that something is wrong with the dog's windpipe and/or lungs," said William Fortney, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine/pathobiology at K-State.

When your dog coughs, it is using a protective mechanism by trying to expel an offending material or increased mucus or phlegm that is produced by the inflamed lung or windpipe, Fortney said. The cough may be intermittent or almost constant. Coughs can be mild or severe and cause a gagging or vomiting reflex at the end of a coughing fit. They can be productive by dislodging mucus or nonproductive when nothing is dislodged.

"Dogs contract coughs from infections, including fungi, airborne viruses and bacteria and certain parasites, such as heartworms, parasite migration through the lungs, asthma and bronchitis," Nelson said.

Allergies, heart conditions, wind pipe disease, tumors or cancers of the lungs and inhalation from foreign particles, such as cigarette smoke, also can lead to a cough. Depending on the cause of the cough, it can last from hours to days or it can be a lifelong problem. If your dog's cough lasts for more than five days, you should be concerned, Fortney said.

Coughs also can be seasonal, especially if the cough is a result of allergies, Nelson said. Infectious agents, viruses and bacterium tend to occur more in the fall and winter months, but not always, Fortney said.

"If the cough is caused by infections, some dogs get over them on their own when their immunity kicks in," Fortney said. "Other pets require antibiotics, heartworm treatments, allergy medication or occasional surgery to remove a tumor. Cough medicine may help in some mild cases."

Nelson and Fortney recommend taking your coughing dog to the veterinarian for an exam. The veterinarian will perform tests to determine the actual cause of the cough and find the best treatment plan for your dog.