I adopted her from a rescue center as a 3-4 month old puppy. Last summer she developed an intermittent cough and would pant heavily after only 5-10 minutes of exercise. Her tongue would also turn a dusky color. Our vet tried several medications, including antibiotics and steriods. The vet also took 2 chest x-rays. The x-rays showed “speckles” throughout her respiratory system. The specks were random, like someone flinging paint at a canvas from several feet away.
After receiving the medications, my dog’s cough went away. Her panting lessened and even stopped for awhile over the winter months. However, her symptoms of panting and a dusky tongue after exercise, being stressed, or frightened are coming back with the spring months, and our vet is baffled. Have you ever encountered anything like this before?
Is the chronic form of pulmonary histoplasmosis a possibility? We do live in Pennsylvania, and my dog loves to be outside in our yard. Thank you.
Answer from Dr. Gaylord Brown:
Chronic histoplasmosis is definitely a possibility to be ruled out. A fungal screen would rule this out. Here in California, coccidiomycosis would be more likely. However, with a chronic fungal disease such as these, I would expect her to be acting sick as time passes. This may also be allergic bronchitis. The response to antibiotics may be due to a secondary infection. Allergy testing has proven beneficial with dogs such as these at the sanctuary. I believe a second opinion with an internist would be helpful.