PNEUMONIA IN THE IRISH WOLFHOUND
There has been a growing number of cases of misdiagnosis and misunderstanding of pneumonia in Irish Wolfhounds.
In America the drug of choice for wolfhounds is Rocephin (ceftriaxone), a third generation cephalosporin, which is not licensed in the UK. Excenel is the drug recommended by wolfhound people in the UK who have had experience of pneumonia. Excenel is also a third generation cephalosporin, available in the UK, licensed for pigs, but not licensed for dogs. To obtain it, a waiver needs to be signed by you.
Wolfhounds are unique in their presentation of pneumonia. They may have a normal temperature and their lungs may appear clear on x-rays.
There have been a number of cases of vets misdiagnosing pneumonia as heart failure. If your wolfhound has clear lungs, does not have a raised temperature, but does have atrial fibrillation, some vets will put the difficulty in breathing down to heart failure, and treat that, not the pneumonia.
Recognizing pneumonia
- Sudden onset.
- Difficulties in breathing.
- Head lowered and stretched forward level with the back, neck extended to expand the airway as much as possible.
- Dog reluctant/unable to lie on its side.
- Dog may or may not be coughing.
- Temperature may be very high – but a normal temperature does not necessarily preclude a diagnosis of pneumonia.
- Lungs may appear clear on x-ray.
- There have been cases of pneumonia in wolfhounds following a lungworm infection. (Lungworm is no longer restricted to the south of England, and is present in most areas)
Treating pneumonia
- URGENTLY - if there is any doubt, treat with the antibiotics first, and argue later – do not take a wait and see attitude.
- Most vets will want to administer an antibiotic intravenously, as it is important to hit it hard and fast.
- Fluids intravenously should be considered – but care should be taken if your wolfhound has a heart condition.
- Excenel is the drug recommended by wolfhound people who have had experience of pneumonia in the UK.
- Other antibiotics have been used – Ceporex, Baytril and Antirobe, Cefuroxime, Zithromax, Marbofloxacin and Trimethoprim sulfa, but there is a better chance of preventing a recurrence with Excenel.
- Drug treatment needs to continue for at least four weeks.
- Steam and coupage* can assist in moving the congestion from the lungs.
- If your wolfhound has had pneumonia, it is more likely to have it again.
Convincing/alerting vets
You need to have a conversation about pneumonia with your vet before it happens. Download our Key Fact Guide and make sure your vet has a copy too.
* For those unfamiliar with the technique of coupage ( also known as percussion therapy),
we have found this video demonstration that you might find useful
- we think it demonstrates clearly how to do it.
Key Fact Guide to download
|
 |
||