Answer

It does sound like kennel cough (the honking cough is the key here).

 

Benadryl would not have been used to prevent an infection. However, the Bayril is a good antibiotic and is one I use when I feel like I need an antibiotic for kennel cough.

 

The trembling and lethargy may be secondary to the Benadryl and the Torbutrol tablets being used together - both are sedating medicines (the Benadryl being an antihistamine, the Torbutrol being a coedine-type tablet). You are also giving a pretty big dose of Benadryl at 25 mg three times a day for a 10lb-ish Cairn Terrier dog. The usual dose of Benadryl is closer to 1 mg per pound of dog.

 

I am not a huge fan of Torbutrol in kennel cough dogs because I want them coughing that kennel cough bacteria OUT of their lungs so it does not become a pneumonia. However, there is a fine line where the dog coughing so much that heir throats are sore and they refuses to eat or drink. So sometimes I do prescribe the Torbutrol tabs.

 

My thought is that she may just be overly sedated at this point from these two meds. I would call your vet and ask if they think it would be safe to stop the Benadryl and Torb and see how he does. I would continue the Baytril antibiotic.

 

If the dog is not doing well at this point, she may benefit from a day or two of IV fluids in the hospital just to get her rehydrated and feeling better if she has not been eating or drinking well during this time.

 

It doesn't sound like an unusual strain of kennel cough, it just sounds like kennel cough. :-) The good news is that usually within 7 to 10 days, the cough stops and the dog is feeling much better.

 

Good luck!

 

Dr. Tanis!