Sick Dog

Bronchitis--an inflammation of one or more of the small airways in the lungs, or bronchi--is not usually life threatening, but it is unpleasant for a dog suffering its effects. Characterized by an uncontrollable cough, bronchitis can be either acute (short-lived, sometimes caused by an infection) or chronic (continuous, possibly even life-long).

B.J. has been couching and wheezing  the last week and a half.  We thought our little doggy may have allergies. Henry took him to the vet yesterday and was informed that BJ has bronchitis.  Mind you it only took the Doc 5 minutes or less to examine BJ. I surely didn't expect this visit to cost $75, yikes that's 3 times more than my doctor's visit copay. 

I never thought a dog would have bronchitis. It's  more prevalent in smaller breeds and  usually caused by an allergy or by long-term exposure to cigarette smoke or some other type of environmental irritant. The vet prescribed antibiotics and says Mr. B should be fine and to come back if problem continues after he's taken all the medication.  The treatment for bronchitis in dogs is not much different from that for humans.