Chronic coughing in a Pomeranian

Abstract

This case was chosen because, although it was ultimately diagnosed as a rare condition [bronchiectasis], it presented with a common chief complaint -- that of chronic coughing. Therefore considerable attention is devoted to the differential diagnosis and the ancillary examination utilized to reach a final diagnosis in the case. The patient was a five year old female Pomeranian named Pennie. Pennie presented to the Small Animal Clinic on November 6, 1973 with a history of a chronic productive cough which had persisted for four years. The cough was accompanied by gagging and dyspnea, and was usually worse at night and in the morning, but did not seem to be affected by exercise.