 Asiahomes
Internet 31 Dec 2003 Focus: Affordable internet property and pet advertisements 031104Singapore papillon kennel cough, pet health and welfare educational for animal lovers, from Asiahomes Internet Tips for Pet Lovers, sponsored by AsiaHomes Internet. December 31, 2003 "The Papillon will not survive" the vet says.  The Papillon puppy, like exceptionally good-looking people, commanded attention when Mr Formicelli's driver sent it to my surgery. Its golden big butterfly-like ears flapped backwards. Its big black elliptical eyes pierced me with a look typical of a puppy who was afraid of injections from a veterinarian. Such puppies would smell a veterinary clinic a mile away and would not want to step into its door. There was something strange about this Papillon. On its left fore leg, a sticky Elastoplast had taped a tube connecting to its cephalic vein. The tube's opening was plugged by a piece of white material to prevent the blood oozing out. This tube had been used to transfer intravenous saline and dextrose drip from a bottle to the puppy's blood system. Had the puppy been suffering from severe illness? Did it collapse and faint? Why was the Elastoplast still on the leg when it was discharged from a veterinary premise? The driver did not have the answer. "Why is the Papillon sent here?" I phoned Mr Formicelli. "It has a kennel cough and needed to be warded for treatment." Mr Formicelli replied. "The buyer had returned the puppy on advice from her veterinarian that it was not healthy and would die soon. I have the refund cheque ready for her."  Kennel
cough is a mixture of bacterial and viral infections of the respiratory
system in a young puppy. The Papillon's X-ray of the chest showed pneumonia, an infection of the two lungs. More than 50% of its lungs were blotted by white patches. These patches were the small bronchial tubes which should be black if they were not flooded with exudates and fluid. Therefore, the veterinarian had said that the prognosis would be poor. This meant that the chances of the puppy recovering from the kennel cough infection were slim and it would likely die. It would be best to return the puppy and get back the money. Mr Formicelli agreed to refund in full even though the puppy had been with the Buyer for the past fourteen days. It was kind of Mr Formicelli to return the money after such a long time as most pet shops would not do so. He gained considerable good will. Two hours later, Ms Pelham, the Buyer visited the Papillon. "What happened?" I asked. "This Papillon does not have a fever even though the X-ray of its chest showed tracheo-bronchitis, an extensive inflammation of the lungs." "The Papillon coughed after purchase. It was treated but did not recover for the next few days. It had diarrhoea and I sent her to the vet for treatment. The vet took an X-ray of the lungs, blood and stool tests." "What happened?" "The veterinarian recommended warding the puppy for treatment. I read on the notice board that the daily costs of warding would be sixty dollars a day and I decided to return the puppy." The veterinary costs would amount to more than the purchase price of the puppy in no time. "Ms Pelham, accept Mr Formicelli's cheque," I advised the Buyer. "This puppy had kennel cough for such a long time and it will take a few weeks to recover, if properly cared for. The blood tests showed a severe bacterial infection as the total white cell count hit the top of the range." Mr Formicelli, with over 20 years of experiences in kennel cough puppies knew this too. He would rather take back the puppy than get continued phone calls about its health. "Get another Papillon with the refund," I suggested. It was easier said than done. Papillons were "rare" breeds in Singapore.  Ms
Pelham had been to all pet shops and breeders. "There are two being sold
by another pet shop, but they are not good looking."I had vaccinated these two imported from Australia and I knew that their colour and markings paled in comparison to Ms Pelham's choice. Her Papillon had that "X-factor" which made a spectator want to pat it and say "Wow, what a beautiful butterfly dog! Where did you buy it?" It was like a beautiful painting. Everybody admires its creation. What should Ms Pelham do now? Mr Formicelli's money back offer may not be forever. "Take the money," I advised again. She would not. Over the next twelve days of compulsory cage rest and treatment, the Papillon's coughing reduced in frequency. On the 12th day, there was no coughing. Mr Formicelli would have to take back the puppy for further care as the veterinary costs would add up. "An X-ray of the chest would be useful," I said. However, it would incur more veterinary costs for Mr Formicelli and he might not be too pleased. He would be willing to pay for the X-rays though. But there was no guarantee that Ms Pelham would accept the puppy after that. I auscultated the lungs with my stethoscope. There were no more harsh bronchial sounds. "You will have to decide to take the Papillon without the X-ray or the money back," I said, after consultation with Mr Formicelli. "Why don't you bring the Papillon back for a day or two and decide later?"  Ms Pelham took the puppy back and returned with an X-ray taken by the other veterinarian. She said, "The vet was surprised that the puppy had recovered. It had a clearer chest X-ray. Earlier, he had said that there was no hope for the Papillon even if I sought veterinary treatment elsewhere!" All practising veterinarians would have been proven wrong by dogs that would have little or no chance or recovery from illnesses and yet live to a ripe old age. The happy owner would taunt them with "you said my dog would not survive long?"  The
white branches of inflammation had vanished in most areas of the lungs
just 12 days later. It was hard to believe and to be frank, I did not
expect such a rapid resolution. Young dogs do heal faster. Ms Pelham wanted some antibiotics for the Papillon, just in case the cough recur. "You will not be making any claims from Mr Formicelli?" I asked. Ms Pelham agreed. The happy Papillon barked again at her home. It had around 5 hacking coughs a day but was otherwise healthy. What would be the cure for this kennel cough? The Papillon would need plenty of care and will recover. But it will take some weeks to be normal again.  © Asiahomes Internet.
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