As you may know, Cracker has had a small, but persistant cough for about 4 weeks now. He coughs after drinking water (abit) and on occasion. It is quite a hacking cough. we have been to the vet (an embarrasing ammount of times! ) for the cough, and he has- after antibiotics-put him on to an anti inflammetry to get his tonsils down, as this appears to be the problem. Any Ideas why this may be or any experience would be appreciated... as the vet has not given me a reason for why his tonsils would be inflamed.

Secondly, I was worried tonight as Cracker caught the underside of his jaw (top of his neck- windpipe area) on a table (first puppy accident) and since then he has been acting like something is stuck in his throat (a much more wretchy cough than normal).  He did cough abit when he banged it, but then he seemed ok.  Hes been quiet since then tonight and has been lieing on the bed all night with me. (Although he has been doing this chokey cough.. could this mean he has really hurt himself? any pointers? I was worried that maybe he had something stuck in his throat, like a piece of fluff or something instead of the fact he had banged himself. I gave him a small drink and he coughed and I tried giving him a little bit of NDiet to see if that would dislodge anything in his throat, but he seemed to struggle swallowing it, (but he did). Should I see how he is in the morning? Or could this be more serious?

Thanks for your help, Lisa

Your vet is the best person to advise you on this.  You seem to indicate that the cough is worst when swallowing - could your vet have a look in his throat/osephagus etc with an endascope to rule out any permanent obstruction?

I think he will have to go under if there is anything going to go down his throat. This is what worries me, as Italian Greyhounds need a lot of care under anaesthetic.  He isnt choking this morning and he has eaten some food, much better then last night. I will keep my fingers crossed that the tablets he is in on, will do the trick. Thank you for your reply Christine.

Hi Lise

ALL dogs need constant attention when they have a general anaesthic and you will find that every one thinks their breed is more sensitive than others :)
This is true in as much as some of the older anaesthics especially did not suit some dogs but with the reversible ones such as Rapinovet these can be safer than even sedating a dog.

i had a gordon setter with tonsils problam which were imflammed was on the med as you,in the end he had lymhamo not spell right cancer of the tonsils.have a biogpsy done of the tonsils.

Im sure you are right about people worrying about their own breed, but I think it is the fact that Italian Greyhounds are so small, maybe it is the same with other very small breeds. We have been warned in all the literature about this problem with Italian Greyhounds, so much so that an owner is advised to make sure their vet has a knowledge of IG's and anaesthetics. Im not 'up' on all the different types though and am just going off everything I have read and been told by more experienced people than me, within the breed. So Im undoubtedly wary! (But then I am also a new mum and a complete fuss pot!) Im curious about the cancer of the tonsils, would this be possible in a 15week old pup? We are going for another check up on Tuesday evening so I will ask about this. It is one of those problems that I just want to get to the bottom of, all these tablets cant be good for him! Thanks again, Lisa