The most crucial thing about pneumonia recovery is catching the symptoms early.
Please take your Wolfhound to your Vet for any slightest concern or suspicion that your hound may have Pneumonia.
As an owner, it is crucial to be aware of the vital if not subtle signs of onset because the earlier Pneumonia is recognised, the better the chance our deep-chested hounds have a full recovery. Once an infection develops, it can rapidly travel deep in the lung tissue, becoming tough to control, even if the correct drugs are found.
Sadly there are often incidents of Irish Wolfhounds contracting Pneumonia and not pulling through. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the owners at such a sad time. This is why as an owner, you must jump into action at any sign of an upper respiratory problem and or Kennel Cough.
Wolfhounds are unique in their presentation of Pneumonia. They may have a normal temperature, and their lungs may appear clear on x-ray for several days after the dog first shows signs of illness. 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 Pneumonia.
Pneumonia can 'appear' staggeringly quickly.
Some things to look out for in your hound:
Sudden onset.
Difficulties in breathing.
Head lowered and stretched forward level with the back, neck extended to expand the airway as much as possible.
Reluctance/unable to lie on its side.
May or may not be coughing.
The 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.
Treating Pneumonia
URGENTLY- if there is any doubt, treat with the antibiotics first, and argue later – do not take a wait-and-see attitude. Every Vet has their preferences of which antibiotics to administer according to the dog's requirements.
Most Vets will want to administer an antibiotic intravenously, as it is important to hit it hard and fast.
Fluids intravenously should be considered – this is vital for most wolfhounds (unless there are heart issues). Fluids are always a priority.
Drug treatment needs to continue for at least 4 To 6 weeks.
Steam and coupage can assist in moving the congestion from the lungs. Our Vet gives us Salbutamol in addition to a/b's as it relaxes the muscles in the airways and makes breathing easier, and they are more comfortable. Some vets may or may not prescribe it, but I have only had good outcomes.
If your Wolfhound has had Pneumonia, it is more likely to have it again.
Summary
Research shows that outcomes vary and depend on how quickly you as the owner respond/notice your dog is poorly and the actions of your Vet. The sooner you recognise the problem, the sooner you have your dog treated, and the better the outcome. In addition, aftercare at home is vital.
As an owner, it is crucial to be aware of the vital if not subtle signs of onset because the earlier Pneumonia is recognised, the better the chance our deep-chested hounds have a full recovery. Once an infection develops, it can rapidly travel deep in the lung tissue, becoming tough to control, even if the correct drugs are found.
The most critical thing about pneumonia recovery is catching the symptoms early. So any slightest concern or suspicion that your hound may have Pneumonia, then please straight to your vets.
Remember, the thermometer is your friend, but 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 Pneumonia.
I have known vets dismiss a slight crackle in the upper respiratory when heard by stethoscope - don't let this happen; ask if even a slight crackle can be heard on examination. Our hounds are like no other, and what could be construed as a simple infection or a slight bout of Kennel Cough suddenly develops into full-blown Pneumonia.
In addition, keep your lungworm protocols up to date and heart test yearly.
Any suggestions made here are based purely on personal experience. It is the owner's responsibility to decide on any course of action they take with their hound, and we strongly recommend that this be done in conjunction with your Vet.
SUGGEST TO YOUR VET:
The choice of drugs will be down to your Vet, and new drugs are tried and used. It is best if your Vet doubles up and uses a gram-positive and a gram-negative antibiotic. This is usually achieved by combining two antibiotics, and in severe cases, a third antibiotic may even be included in the regime to cover all bases. Your Vet will understand what is meant. Some drugs recommended on the list will be unsuitable for a young hound because they can affect the growth plates and others' fertility.
They (your vet) read Dr Angela Bodey's paper on Pneumonia in Wolfhounds.
If your vet is in any doubt what so ever please contact:
Mark Dunning
MA VetMB PhD CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS
RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine
European Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Mark has a great understanding of Irish Wolfhounds due to his association with the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham, as Clinical Associate Professor in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Mark remains an active member of the Vet School team, teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students.