Monty is coughing/choking almost none stop

Honestly I may be being harsh but it seems like it all has been a bit of a mess.

*First they wouldn't see him
*When they finally see him they don't know what is wrong or how to treat him
*He goes from a cough to an oxygen tank, to a ventilator, to being told he may not make it.
*They've thrown a million different diagnosis at him
*Finally say it's an allergy and put him on steroids.
*Decide they don't know what is happening so call a specialist in
*Specialist can see by his scans/test he has pneumonia which lead to complications (why couldn't they see that)
*Specialist says he shouldn't be on steroids as it can make it worse....so then has to change his medication.

I know it was a weekend and they are stretched due to covid but this has been so draining!
At least now it seems I'm on the right road. I've going over there in an hour to talk with his new vet and hopefully arrange a date I can bring him home!
 
Sharon7 said:
It does not take much to irritate the lungs - people with ALS or Parkinsons can get aspiration pneumonia just from inhaling saliva.
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I agree with Sharon, and meant to also say that dogs can aspirate when drinking water, or in Monty's case, milk. It doesn't have to be vomit. Flurry used to cough frequently after drinking and I had this conversation with my vet. It's not that unusual, and if any liquid "went down the wrong way" that could be enough to do it.
 
Darren, "a bit of a mess" seems like a monster of an understatement for what you and Monty have been through. Covid is not an excuse for malpractice, which I consider putting you off for 24 hours, just for starters. Honestly if it were my dog, I'd be looking for a new vet when the dust settles and Monty is out of danger.
 
Darren said:
Honestly I may be being harsh but it seems like it all has been a bit of a mess.

*First they wouldn't see him
*When they finally see him they don't know what is wrong or how to treat him
*He goes from a cough to an oxygen tank, to a ventilator, to being told he may not make it.
*They've thrown a million different diagnosis at him
*Finally say it's an allergy and put him on steroids.
*Decide they don't know what is happening so call a specialist in
*Specialist can see by his scans/test he has pneumonia which lead to complications (why couldn't they see that)
*Specialist says he shouldn't be on steroids as it can make it worse....so then has to change his medication.

I know it was a weekend and they are stretched due to covid but this has been so draining!
At least now it seems I'm on the right road. I've going over there in an hour to talk with his new vet and hopefully arrange a date I can bring him home!
Click to expand...
You have been so strong Darren! I would have lost it long ago! Now that a proper DX has been given I would demand only speaking to the specialist for all they have put you and Monty through!
Sorry... had to vent!:gaah
 
Yeah I'd say it's a HUGE mess and I hope you have the option of a new vet once the virus is no longer in play. I think you should make a big fuss about it with them. After all they are charging you for all the stuff they did while scrambling for a diagnosis. Monty is a strong guy to have rallied even when what he was given medication -wise was not appropriate!
 
I hope the diagnosis is correct this time and Monty will be on the right meds! How frustrating!


I’ve only ever dealt with baby calves who developed aspiration pneumonia from inhaling milk while nursing. The livestock vet always prescribes an NSAID to help the lungs and a special antibiotic, which I don’t remember the name of (Naxcel??). It’s very serious for calves.
 
Thank you again, I will certainly be taking things further with the vets once all this is over. Luckily I'm now dealing with only the specialist so I'm hoping that is going to help!

I also have a little someone that wants to say something to you all so I've posted it in the Sheltie chat :)
 
Wow! What a nightmare. So glad a Monty has hung in and you are getting real answers. Can’t wait to hear about you seeing him.

As to your list about the debacle, you should add the fact that they didn’t let you see him! I know they said “sterile environment” but it’s so important for pets to be able to see or hear their people even if it’s just for a minute or two.

Fingers crossed he continues to mend!
 
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