Pneumonia-question? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

HShanks · 02-27-2012, 02:29 AM

My 6 year old girl was diagnosed with pneumonia on Friday and spent all weekend at the vet on diuretics, antibiotics, and ICU oxygen cage for 1 day. She has been out of the ICU since Saturday and we were finally able to bring her home today (Monday evening here in Japan). I have complete confidence in our vet; however, there is a language barrier that requires an interpreter. I thought I would ask those with experience here on the board as I have a general question about Abbie's breathing. I have noticed that she is still breathing rapidly (about 30-40 resps per minute) even at rest. She is sleeping well, pottying well, and eating well. She is not breathing with her mouth open and she is able to lie flat on her side or tummy. I'm assuming that this pneumonia is going to take a few weeks to clear up but I wondered if anyone could tell me how long before their little one was back to breathing completely normal? Vet has her on bronchiodilators and antibiotics. Abbie's WBCs are elevated and I understand that infection can also make her breathe more rapidly. I know I may be blowing this out of proportion but I would rather be safe than sorry. We have a follow up at the vet in 3 days for her 3rd set of Xrays and rest assured i wouldn't hesitate to take her back in before then if needed. Thanks!

HShanks · 02-27-2012, 02:48 AM

Well, I decided to call the vet as I know I won't get a wink of sleep tonight if I don't get a straight answer from him. Called and spoke to the interpreter and told him her respiratory rate. Waiting for a call back now. Will update after I receive the phone call for others who may have same question in the future.

HShanks · 02-27-2012, 02:53 AM

Just received the follow-up call and vet says this is normal and not a new or worsening symptom. I feel much better. Will continue to monitor but would also like to hear of any pneumonia experiences that other Yorkie owners have had. Thanks!

kjc · 02-27-2012, 03:02 AM

My little guy had pneumonia two years ago. He was initially put on the wrong antibiotic, and was no better by the next day. His fever spiked, and I rushed him to the nearest vet, They changed the antibiotic (along with nebulizing with two other ABs and oxygen) and he was greatly improved by the following day. He was on antibiotics for a month, and then a final xray was done to be sure his lungs were clear.

I'm thinking Abbie may be stressed from the trip home, and then getting used to her home environment again (humidity, etc). I would keep an eye on her gum color... it should be pink. If it starts to turn blue or purple-ish, I'd get her back in to the vets asap. Also, she should be continually improving, if she seems to be getting worse, she should be seen again.

HShanks · 02-27-2012, 03:12 AM

Thank you kjc-I should have known you would respond. You seem to have such a kind heart. She is definitely improved from Friday morning I guess I was just hoping for a full recovery right away. ;-)

kjc · 02-27-2012, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HShanks

Well, I decided to call the vet as I know I won't get a wink of sleep tonight if I don't get a straight answer from him. Called and spoke to the interpreter and told him her respiratory rate. Waiting for a call back now. Will update after I receive the phone call for others who may have same question in the future.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HShanks

Just received the follow-up call and vet says this is normal and not a new or worsening symptom. I feel much better. Will continue to monitor but would also like to hear of any pneumonia experiences that other Yorkie owners have had. Thanks!

Don't feel crazy. Pneumonia is nothing to fool around with. If she does anything abnormal... I'd be putting a call into the vet too!

When I brought my dog home from the ER, I must have called my regular vet at least 10 times during the following two days!

Vets don't mind... they'd rather see people that care too much for their pets than to see those that don't care enough....

kjc · 02-27-2012, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HShanks

Thank you kjc-I should have known you would respond. You seem to have such a kind heart. She is definitely improved from Friday morning I guess I was just hoping for a full recovery right away. ;-)

Thank you.

I'm glad to hear she's better than she was on Friday. Pneumonia is tricky though and it takes a while to clear it up. The xray to be done in 3 days is probably to make sure her meds are working. Sounds like your vet is taking all precautions, so that is very good.

I'll keep an eye out for your updates... and keep praying for a complete recovery!

HShanks · 02-27-2012, 04:19 AM

Will be sure to update.

Thanks you again

HShanks · 03-01-2012, 02:11 AM

We just retuned from Abbie's 4 day follow up visit and according to the X-ray her lung is continuing to improve. I was able to view the X-ray and could see a tremendous improvement from the day she was admitted and a noticeable improvement even from 4 days ago. She still doesn't have her stamina back and can only walk a few meters on her leash before she gets winded. She has started begging for daily walks but we are taking it easy per vet instructions. She has been carrying her toys around all day long and I can tell she is getting stronger by the day. Since she isn't 100% yet the vet wants us to follow up in 7 days for another X-ray. In the meantime she will continue on antibiotics and bronchodilators. I'm so happy that our little girl is expected to make a full recovery! Thank you for your prayers and concern.

kjc · 03-01-2012, 02:24 AM

Yay! Excellent news! So glad to hear this... thanks for the update! I'm happy to hear she's feeling better and wanting to be more active, too. Very good signs!

I'll still pray for her though...

HShanks · 03-08-2012, 04:03 AM

Tomorrow will be exactly 2 weeks since Abbie was diagnosed with pneumonia and I am pleased to announce that she received her clean bill of health this evening. Her final Xray is completely normal; however, she will continue her antibiotic for one more week just as a precaution. I'm happy to report that she is playing, running, and eating well. Thank you for the kind words, thoughts, and prayers.

TxVicki · 03-08-2012, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HShanks

Tomorrow will be exactly 2 weeks since Abbie was diagnosed with pneumonia and I am pleased to announce that she received her clean bill of health this evening. Her final Xray is completely normal; however, she will continue her antibiotic for one more week just as a precaution. I'm happy to report that she is playing, running, and eating well. Thank you for the kind words, thoughts, and prayers.

Yeah I am so glad to hear that Abbie is doing so very well.

kjc · 03-08-2012, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HShanks

Tomorrow will be exactly 2 weeks since Abbie was diagnosed with pneumonia and I am pleased to announce that she received her clean bill of health this evening. Her final Xray is completely normal; however, she will continue her antibiotic for one more week just as a precaution. I'm happy to report that she is playing, running, and eating well. Thank you for the kind words, thoughts, and prayers.

Excellent news! So happy she feeling good and doing well!

02-27-2012, 02:29 AM	#1
HShanks Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Palm Harbor, FL Posts: 119	Pneumonia-question? My 6 year old girl was diagnosed with pneumonia on Friday and spent all weekend at the vet on diuretics, antibiotics, and ICU oxygen cage for 1 day. She has been out of the ICU since Saturday and we were finally able to bring her home today (Monday evening here in Japan). I have complete confidence in our vet; however, there is a language barrier that requires an interpreter. I thought I would ask those with experience here on the board as I have a general question about Abbie's breathing. I have noticed that she is still breathing rapidly (about 30-40 resps per minute) even at rest. She is sleeping well, pottying well, and eating well. She is not breathing with her mouth open and she is able to lie flat on her side or tummy. I'm assuming that this pneumonia is going to take a few weeks to clear up but I wondered if anyone could tell me how long before their little one was back to breathing completely normal? Vet has her on bronchiodilators and antibiotics. Abbie's WBCs are elevated and I understand that infection can also make her breathe more rapidly. I know I may be blowing this out of proportion but I would rather be safe than sorry. We have a follow up at the vet in 3 days for her 3rd set of Xrays and rest assured i wouldn't hesitate to take her back in before then if needed. Thanks!

02-27-2012, 02:48 AM	#2
HShanks Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Palm Harbor, FL Posts: 119	Just call me the crazy American Well, I decided to call the vet as I know I won't get a wink of sleep tonight if I don't get a straight answer from him. Called and spoke to the interpreter and told him her respiratory rate. Waiting for a call back now. Will update after I receive the phone call for others who may have same question in the future.

02-27-2012, 03:02 AM	#4
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,869	My little guy had pneumonia two years ago. He was initially put on the wrong antibiotic, and was no better by the next day. His fever spiked, and I rushed him to the nearest vet, They changed the antibiotic (along with nebulizing with two other ABs and oxygen) and he was greatly improved by the following day. He was on antibiotics for a month, and then a final xray was done to be sure his lungs were clear. I'm thinking Abbie may be stressed from the trip home, and then getting used to her home environment again (humidity, etc). I would keep an eye on her gum color... it should be pink. If it starts to turn blue or purple-ish, I'd get her back in to the vets asap. Also, she should be continually improving, if she seems to be getting worse, she should be seen again. __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

03-01-2012, 02:11 AM	#9
HShanks Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Palm Harbor, FL Posts: 119	Update We just retuned from Abbie's 4 day follow up visit and according to the X-ray her lung is continuing to improve. I was able to view the X-ray and could see a tremendous improvement from the day she was admitted and a noticeable improvement even from 4 days ago. She still doesn't have her stamina back and can only walk a few meters on her leash before she gets winded. She has started begging for daily walks but we are taking it easy per vet instructions. She has been carrying her toys around all day long and I can tell she is getting stronger by the day. Since she isn't 100% yet the vet wants us to follow up in 7 days for another X-ray. In the meantime she will continue on antibiotics and bronchodilators. I'm so happy that our little girl is expected to make a full recovery! Thank you for your prayers and concern.

03-01-2012, 02:24 AM	#10
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,869	Yay! Excellent news! So glad to hear this... thanks for the update! I'm happy to hear she's feeling better and wanting to be more active, too. Very good signs! I'll still pray for her though... __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

02-27-2012, 02:53 AM	#3
HShanks Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Palm Harbor, FL Posts: 119	Just received the follow-up call and vet says this is normal and not a new or worsening symptom. I feel much better. Will continue to monitor but would also like to hear of any pneumonia experiences that other Yorkie owners have had. Thanks!

02-27-2012, 03:12 AM	#5
HShanks Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Palm Harbor, FL Posts: 119	Thank you kjc-I should have known you would respond. You seem to have such a kind heart. She is definitely improved from Friday morning I guess I was just hoping for a full recovery right away. ;-)

02-27-2012, 04:19 AM	#8
HShanks Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Palm Harbor, FL Posts: 119	Will be sure to update. Thanks you again

03-08-2012, 04:03 AM	#11
HShanks Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2006 Location: Palm Harbor, FL Posts: 119	Update Tomorrow will be exactly 2 weeks since Abbie was diagnosed with pneumonia and I am pleased to announce that she received her clean bill of health this evening. Her final Xray is completely normal; however, she will continue her antibiotic for one more week just as a precaution. I'm happy to report that she is playing, running, and eating well. Thank you for the kind words, thoughts, and prayers.