How do vets diagnose dog respiratory infections with minimal tests?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Nadu. Sometimes a respiratory disease panel can be submitted to a reference laboratory. A swab is generally taken from the throat and eye. This will use PCR to test for a variety bacterial and viral infections. If the nasal discharge is thick, green or yellow, this typically indicates a bacterial infection. The can start as a viral disease and have secondary bacterial overgrowth or as a primary bacterial infection. I hope this information helps!

Poor Roxy! I can definitely see the dry discharge from both nostrils. You’re right in saying that this can be caused by an upper respiratory infection. In most cases these infections cannot be transmitted to people or from people to dogs. These are very common in dogs, and can easily be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. Unfortunately, nasal discharge can be caused by several other diseases such as a nasal foreign body or mass, or even pneumonia. Your vet can do some blood work and x-rays to determine the exact cause of Roxy’s nasal discharge. You should have her seen immediately if she begins acting lethargic, loses her appetite, or you believe she’s having trouble breathing.

You can ask for a chest x-ray to see what Moka's heart and lungs look like, as well as a geriatric blood panel and urinalysis. These would be good tests to start with and further tests can be done as needed. I hope this helps!

You might ask your veterinarian if the X-rays could be reviewed by a radiologist. While the resolution that the forum pictures allow makes them a bit difficult to interpret, I am concerned that the X-rays do not appear normal, and she may have a more serious underlying condition. It may be that she has some underlying heart disease, cancer, or an infection that requires a more broad spectrum of antibiotic. I agree the blood work you've attached is unremarkable. Was a CBC performed as well? Check back with your vet about a radiology review, and a recheck exam as well. A consult with a cardiologist may be recommended, depending on the radiologist's opinion. I'm sorry I don't have better news, or a solution to offer you to try at home, but I think you need to circle back and followup with your vet on this. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Poor guy. Upper respiratory infections in dogs are usually caused by a bacterial infection. Other possible causes are a fungal infection, or allergies. It's best to take him to the vet to get examined and medications to treat this. If he does have an upper respiratory infection then he will be prescribed oral antibiotics to take care of it. I hope he gets well soon!

That is unusual to see a dog who is prone to URI. I recommend to have a chest x-ray to look for any abnormalities in the chest like heart enlargement or a pouching esophagus. any abnormalities may increase the potential for infections. other things that may help include feeding a high quality diet (I recommend Royal Canin) and supplementing with an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs. Also use an HEPA air filter, make sure the ducts and vents in the house are properly cleaned and cared for and don't smoke in the house. A humidifier may also help if the air is dry. I hope this helps.