Regurgitation/cough in a dog

Re: Regurgitation/cough in a dog

Joyce Whitehead — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 18:58:59 GMT

And plus one for sialadenosis with phenobarbitone trial being a good plan. Sounds identical to one I had years ago, he is also a small terrier and little money available. He has been on phenobarb for around 4 years now and no recurrence unless we try to reduce the dose. Good luck!

Re: Regurgitation/cough in a dog

Andrew Kent — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 17:55:31 GMT

sialoadenosis was also my first thought reading your description. The response to phenobarb is usually pretty rapid so even trialling for a week would probably give you an answer, you only need a low dose (I think 1mg/kg off the top of my head). Its a bit of an overkill but diagnosis of this can be aided by advanced imaging of the head and looking for enlargement and contrast enhancement (usually MRI).

Andy

Re: Regurgitation/cough in a dog

Kirsten Simpson — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 14:06:10 GMT

See, We did think was he producing too much saliva and what we can feel is the SM salivary gland as it felt too caudal to be the SMLN. We were discussing if he could be producing too much saliva or a post nasal drip causing the clinical signs. I was worried that he had a mega oesophagus and I did think the xrays could indicate a mild/chronic aspiration pneumonia. I'll look into sialadenosis! Cheers! Any more random theories are most appreciated!

Re: Regurgitation/cough in a dog

Matt Hilary — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 12:05:47 GMT

Bit left field but I'd consider sialadenosis?

[quote]Sialadenosis is a non-inflammatory, non-neoplastic, usually bilateral enlargement of the mandibular salivary glands, associated with regional swelling (dependent on location) and exophthalmos but no apparent pain. The dog may retch and gulp, which is elicited by mild excitement and occurs several times a day. There may be weight loss, reluctance to exercise, snorting, lip smacking, nasal discharge, hypersalivation, inappetence, and depression. Histologically, there are no obvious abnormalities. Excessive saliva production may be associated with increased parasympathetic activity or changes in sympathetic innervation. Phenobarbital administration usually results in lasting improvement, providing support for a neurogenic pathogenesis.[/quote]

Would now be concerned about aspiration pneumonia on hx.