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Posts: 3
From:dallas city illinois usa
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-26-2003 01:38 AM         

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Our saint bernard has been diagnosed with emphysema. We are heart broken. It hurts us so much to watch him struggle for a breath. Have any of you had any experience with this. He is on cortazone shots and he goes back to the vet in a week but I wanted some feedback in advance. I'd like to know more about it before I take him back to the vet. Thanks- any help would be appreciated.

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posted 11-26-2003 08:22 AM         

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poor thing, _ I have never heard of a dog getting this. Have yo tried doing an interenet search to see what comes up? good luck
Hoenybear

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From:dallas city illinois usa
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-26-2003 11:06 AM         

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yes I have kind of searched the net. But the truth is that when I posted - it was the middle of the night and he had woke me up with his gasping. I was looking as fast as I could to find answers. I sat up with him for two and a half hours. This morning he sounds better- I've called the vet again and we're heading over- probably on friday. Have to have help with hubby on this one. It's a major ordeal to take sam to the vet. A real family affair!

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From:Australia
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 11-26-2003 01:59 PM         

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How sad!!!!! As in humans I don't think there is a cure for dogs, all you can do is keep him comfortable. I hope everything works out alright.

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From:United Kingdom
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-07-2004 12:29 PM         

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My Cocker Spaniel was diagnosed with this on Monday. He has been unwell for a couple of months and the vet has decided this is what he has. He is being treated with antibiotics and steroid tablets. Can I ask what your dog is being treated with and if it is helping? I am currently searching the internet for info but not finding much.

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posted 01-07-2004 12:41 PM         

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In looking for info for you, I found this:

"Smoking does not always cause Emphysema. Horses and dogs get emphysema, and they don't smoke. It is a deficiency of MSM that causes this condition (welding fumes, smoke, etc. are an aggravation), and supplementation with MSM can reverse it."

Of course, this was from a site promoting MSM, so take it with a grain of salt. It certainly can't hurt to try, though.

Jamiya

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From:dallas city illinois usa
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posted 01-07-2004 04:02 PM         

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Since my first post I have learned a lot. Sam ( our st. bernard )gets a cortisone shot every three weeks. It takes a week for it to start working and then lasts about a week and then starts getting worse again. they told me that every time he has the shot it will be less and less effective. this last time we were given cortisone pills to add to his treatment. I was trying to hold off as long as i can because they too will not be as effective if we use them too much. while sitting at the computer just now he was laying next to me and i have decided to give him his first pill becuase he is gasping. I have even tried to give him a puff on my abuteral inhaler ( i have asthma ) we're desperate. we love this dog. he's family and we're not ready to give up on him and yet I can't stand to see him suffer. My husband is in complete denial. He know's it's bad but just can't accept it. i'll keep you posted on the rest of the details.

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posted 01-07-2004 04:27 PM         

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Is it possible the emphysema is caused or aggravated by an allergy? It could be an inhalant, or a food allergy. Perhaps allergy testing might be in order? Poor guy.

Jamiya

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From:United Kingdom
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posted 01-08-2004 03:24 AM         

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Thanks for info. How long has your dog had this condition and how old is he?

[This message has been edited by Lesleyanne (edited 01-10-2004).]

[This message has been edited by Lesleyanne (edited 01-10-2004).]

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