Originally appeared as Ask the Vet by Dr. Shawn Ashley in Pug Talk Magazine (Sept/Oct/93)
Colds are probably clinical signs of chronic allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis often termed 'hay fever'in human medicine is due to allergen induced irritation of the upper respiratory tract. Sneezing, runny eyes, nose and post nasal drip are general signs noted. There are many causes such as poliens, air fresheners, smoke, and other animal danders. Conformation of brachycephalic breeds in both dogs and cats can also predispose nasal irritation and allergic rhinitis. As with other allergic responses, there is an inherit component, as well.
Treatment consists primarily of avoidance of the allergen (foreign protein that triggers a hypersensitivity reaction). However, avoidance is not always practical or feasible; this leaves tow other options -- symptomatic management or desensitization via immunotherapy (ie. allergy shots).
Symptomatic therapy centres around controlling histamine release in the body. Histamine is released by irritated cells of the mucous membranes in the nose, eyes, throat and on down the respiratory tract. This release gives rise to the sneezing, runny eyes and nose - - very basically the body is trying to flush out the irritant. Histamine release is controlled by a group of drugs appropriately named antihistamines. These drugs such as named brands Benadryl, Atarax, Chloro-Trimeton, and Seldane block histamine release at the cellular level. Secondarily, they dry up mucous throughout the respiratory tract from nose to eyes to bronchiolar passages.
Therefore, chronic indiscriminate use of these drugs may not be warranted or recommended. If symptoms are well out of hand -- unresponsive to antihistamines alone, swollen eyes, chronic nasal infections -- corticosteroids may be implemented for the short term. Steroids suppress the immune system, thus, taming the allergic reaction. They act with and aid antihistamines to control hay fever symptoms. As respiratory passages become irritated for an extended period of time bacteria, fungus or viruses may move in causing an infection. Antibiotics, antifungal, or antiviral agents are then necessary.
Often a culture of the nasal passages or throat is recommend in order to identify the infectious agent and signify which drugs to use. If avoidance, antihistamines, short term corticosteroids, and antibiotics are not controlling the symptoms for long, immunotherapy is the next step.
Immunotherapy consists of desensitizing the pet's immune system to a particular allergen or groups allergens. This is achieved through intradermal skin tests an subsequent allergy shots.
It is recommended to consult your veterinarian with regards to any chronic problem. Try to note times, seasonal occurrences, changes in food or environment, so as to narrow the cause of the problem, for a true cure is only achieved when the cause is identified.
Questions have been submitted concerning various ailments and certain over-the-counter remedies. It must be addressed that your veterinarian should always be consulted prior to using a medication - - often its use may be contraindicated ....
Robitusain and chronic cough control
If the chronic non-productive cough (often plaguing Pugs) has been diagnosed by your veterinarian as an uncomplicated non-infectious form of tracheobronchitis, control may be hard to maintain.
If the cough is seasonal, an allergy may be the cause and antihistamines may help. If the cough seems to be a constant lingering annoyance an expectorant may or may not help.
Guaifenesin, the active ingredient in Robitussin, is one such expectorant. Exp-ectorants loosen bronchial secretions by stimulating less viscous mucus production. If coughing persists a trip to your vet is warranted.
Listerine and Hot Spots
Hot spots are localized areas of superficial skin infection. Often they become moist, infected and highly pruritic (moist pyodermatitis). Many factors lead to hot spots with skin allergies being the primary predisposition.
If the area is small and not deep, clean with a mild antibacterial soap, then follow with an agent which is not overly irritating (the sting factor!) and provides a drying and antibacterial benefit -- hydrogen peroxide, Bactin, Listerine, etc.
Antibiotic ointments, Desitin, A & D ointment, or First Aid Cream can also aid in the healing process. Cortisone preparations should be used with caution, realizing a little goes a long way. If the problem persists, once again you vet should be consulted.
Imodium and Diarrhea
A vet should be consulted BEFORE treating any outbreak of diarrhea - - there are many causes and many aspects to consider with any intestinal disorder.
Loperamide is the active ingredient in Imodium. It acts much like the prescription drug Lomitif (diphenoxylate). They both provide action upon the intestines by acting on the nervous system to decrease gut motility. In small dogs like Pugs side effects can be constipation and sedation.
It is recommended to first try a milder antidiarrhetic such as Kaopectate and reserve Imodium for more severe cases or upon veterinarian orders.
Loperamide is a contraindicated in dogs with liver disease, possible intestinal obstruction, or with invasive toxic intestinal infections (as with certain food poisoning).
Pepto-bismol can also be used for short term. It contains bismuth, a good stomach protectant, but it also contains aspirin, which in small dogs is not recommended for long term usage.