Monty is coughing/choking almost none stop

[trini]

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,
I 100% agree with Ann on this. There is no way Monty should have had to wait 24 hours to be seen...especially considering his symptoms...to me that was unforgivable. I hope you can find a new vet for future use who is far more responsive to his/her clients and the needs of their pets. Thankfully Monty is young and a strong little lad, many dogs would not have made it through this between the lack of immediate emergency treatment and then so many missteps in Monty's treatment before the specialist was finally called in.
Trini

 

[Darren]

Thanks all, it's actually good to see so many agreeing that his treatment has been a complete mess. Once this is all over I'll be reviewing my options and seeing what I can do about it all. I don't know how things would have went if he had been seen and treated straight away but in my mind I came so close to losing little Monty due to their incompetence. Luckily my little guy has a big heart.

I'm hoping once he is healed I'll not need to see a vet for a little while. His usual vet is still closed due to the covid situation but with the economy opening up here I can't see it being closed much longer!

Well we got through the night OK. (although with very little sleep lol). He still has his little coughing episodes and we had a mini panic at 4am when he was sick everywhere. Everything though appears to be ok, he's not Monty yet which is totally understandable after everything. From being a little ball of energy he's not moved and needs carrying out for pees etc BUT I'm sure with lots of love and care he'll get his strength back

 

[ghggp]

Soft loving pats on his head and sweet kisses on his little snout are requested by Barron, Beau, and Liam! They say it always helped them when they were not feeling well!

 

[Piper's mom]

Poor Monty, poor you for not getting any sleep again! Is he on medication at home or is he still on IV meds? He'll get stronger everyday and will be back to his mischievous self in no time Darren. Does he have to stay overnight at the vet today or will he be back at home tonight?
Hopefully you can get a bit of rest today Darren, this has been such a stressful time for you.

 

[Sandy in CT]

Glad to hear you have a diagnosis. Playing devil's advocate, from reading this... https://vecc24.com/aspiration-pneumonia-pets-going-wrong-pipe/ sounds like it's something first of all abnormal, secondly seen mainly in large breed dogs; at 10 lbs probably far from the Vet's thoughts with Monty. Plus, might not be something the vet has ever seen before. Covid has not helped any and the vet may be totally stressed and over worked and Monty got sort of lost in the shuffle due to many things. Not defending the vet, just giving another view. If you have been happy, up to this point, with the vet, when Monty is all better and you've had a bit of time, I would make an appointment for you to meet with the vet even if in an open parking lot with masks on to chat. Calmly discuss everything you are feeling, see if he listens, then listen to him. Then make your decision. This all may make this vet an even better vet if he/she has the humility to learn from others. Or it may be not...

I hope every day brings Monty closer and closer to getting home with you and your family! Still praying for our little man!!!!

 

[Caro]

Oh gosh, I feel for you. Wanting them home but the constant checking they are still breathing!

 

[Chris]

Aww Chris thank you so much for that, Little Monty has no idea how lucky he is with all this love
I've never really thought about Mr B. He has had him all this time and is so gentle (except for squeaking him) so he's never really got to the stuffing. It's still another thing to look at if we can't find answers!

I'm sure Mr. B is fine -- my DH just wanted me to ask, just in case. I checked Mr. B's cuzzin here, and I can't see anything that could be a problem.

 

[SheepOfBlue]

Darren,
I 100% agree with Ann on this. There is no way Monty should have had to wait 24 hours to be seen...especially considering his symptoms...to me that was unforgivable. I hope you can find a new vet for future use who is far more responsive to his/her clients and the needs of their pets. Thankfully Monty is young and a strong little lad, many dogs would not have made it through this between the lack of immediate emergency treatment and then so many missteps in Monty's treatment before the specialist was finally called in.
Trini

Everyone keeps forgetting this was the ONLY vet open. Everyone else bailed. So right there better job. Oh and the vet was likely VERY overloaded with normal patients and all the others. Then add in challenging working conditions and no telling impacts on staff.

It is far easier to critique than do

 

[Ann]

I didn't realize this wasn't your regular vet, Darren. I hope once your vet opens you can have a long chat with him and give him all the records and tests from this incident. His input will be valuable and hopefully, informative.

I'm not surprised it was a tough night...I know the watching them every few minutes drill when they're sick, it's not very restful LOL! I'm glad he is OK, maybe the sickness was due to all the meds. Perhaps a temporary diet of boiled chicken and rice might be a good idea if the vet agrees that a bland diet would help. I hope today brings continued improvement. It will take a while, but Monty will be back to his michievous self before you know it! Hopefully you can catch a nap while Monty is back at the vet today. Sending good thoughts your way!!!

 

[Sharon7]

Pretty good update Darren. I disagree with one point made that it's abnormal for them to aspirate - just like with us sometimes something "goes down the wrong way". It only takes a bit of a cough as they are drinking for instance, just like in people. At any rate I'm sorry to hear he was sick, and I second the bland diet for a bit just till he's settled. I just bake up some chicken breast and white rice and they usually love it.

He's been through the mill so it will be a bit before he is feeling his old self. I hope you can get some rest today while he's back in hospital. I've done the sick dog at night drill so many times, I feel for you.