Dog coughing for months worsening
Hello my senior pup bella the Maltipoo 13 years old has been coughing for months. The cough is getting progressively worse, about 14 to 16 episodes per day. I brought her to the vet about two months ago, negative for CHF, she does have a grade 3 heart murmur. She was also ruled out for tracheal collapse about three weeks ago, and I brought her in to see the doctor one week ago when she was having a respiratory distress, we started on a steroid inhaler, as well as albuterol inhaler, but nothing is working. I do notice a decline in her breathing since Feb. just a lot of heavy breathing post walk, hard to cool down, rapid breathing that will eventually slow down. Shes acting eating fine otherwise. I’m at a loss cost, what should we do? Thank you in advance.
Update- thx for all the replies-
She had an entire cardiac workup echo 3 months ago and was neg for CHF heart is not enlarged. Then X-rays are done did not say cancer or mass 1 month ago, and heart was normal size. Said wind pipe is completely open and ruled out tracheal collapse. Then 1 week ago rechecked these again in the ER bc she was struggling to breathe and her tongue turned blue. Blah looks like everyone is saying a 4th opinion now. A specialist is booked 2 weeks from now unfortunately with a long wait. It’s 3 am and I am up from her coughing and trying to give her the inhalers. I will head in again tomorrow.
Update 5/9-
Went to 4th Vet. Still said unknown cause. Neg for CHF, possible lower tracheal collapse that wasnt detected on chest xray. Said please try to give hydrocodone cough syrup and use inhalers for a 2 full weeks, and see specialist. Sigh* but ODDLY she is NOT coughing outside my apt. Inside the apt i had a diffuser weeks ago, but since turned off, no other fragrances. What can this be?!