A Suggested Protocol for PCD MaintenanceSome dogs may be mildly affected and only require antibiotics when they show clinical signs, such as coughing, wheezing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and congestion. There are some dogs that require maintenance antibiotics all the time. These dogs may be kept on first generation cephalosporins or Clavamox for maintenance and reserve 3rd generation cephalosporins or azithromycin (Zithromax) for acute infections with clinical signs. Occasionally, resistance to some of these antibiotics develops and it may be necessary to change to a combination of enrofloxicin (Baytril) and ampicillin. Doses should be determined by your veterinarian. Dr Casal uses the following protocol in a university clinic setting: Cephalexin: 22-30 mg/kg twice daily until the next pneumonia then Zithromax: 5-10 mg/kg.
To prevent nausea from the Zithromax, the first day's dosage is 5mg /
kg and then increase the dose to 10mg / kg from the second day on. Continue
the high dosage amount of Zithromax until 5 days after the last clinical
signs have disappeared. Most importantly is the following: Daily coupage and inhalation therapy (steam is sufficient; steaming up the shower or bathroom and then having the dog spend 10 minutes there), encouraging the dog to cough (do NOT give cough suppressants!!) and use antibiotics immediately at the slightest sign of respiratory infection. Also, mucolytic agents (acetylcysteine) or expectorans (guaifenesin) can also be helpful to dissolve the thick mucus and to get the dog to cough, respectively. Remember that all of the clinical signs are caused by the dog's inability to remove "stuff" (bacteria, viruses, and particles from the environment) from the lungs because of the malfunctioning cilia. Therefore, coughing replaces the ciliary function and removes the unwanted particles from the lungs. While the maintenance protocol may be useful for PCD animals only, the suggestions regarding treatment when clinical signs occur and the coupage, inhalation therapy, and possibly the mucolytic agents & expectorans may help those affected with pneumonia, single case or recurring. Reprint requests should be directed to the IW Study |
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