First off, hello to all =) Life has been... busy, to say the least.

To cut to the chase, I am now down to one chin - Yuma, a lovely hetero ebony who is quite the cheeky fellow. He's a big boy, 3 years old, and never had a problem with anything healthwise- other than the fact that his a fur chewer and always has been.

I noticed yesterday that he was making some odd sounds, and last night I confirmed that he has a bit of a wheeze when breathing. He is playing and eating and drinking fine. Not lethargic at all. Nothing else amiss. I searched the forums for 'wheezing' and 'cold' but couldn't find anything. Winter means dry air here, and I know that dampness isn't ideal but I thought maybe a humidifier (non-mist) at night might be an idea as it might be TOO dry? And what about some yogurt as a probiotic to help boost things? The vet I have is for ER purposes only (a downfall of having chins in the States) and I've always found I find better advice from fellow owners or just following my own instinct/knowledge. If we think a vet visit is best, then of course I will go ASAP. Just hate to rush him in to be told something stupid by the vets (per usual).

Thoughts anyone? And thank you in advance

it may be the dry air.

Have you heard any sneezing?

I have heard of wheezing being related to two things - 1) it can be a sign of a heart murmur in some chins and 2) The most likely cause is respiratory infection.

if it may be a respiratory infection, your chin needs to be vet checked and prescribed anti-biotics and pro-biotics.

Giving pro-biotics is a good idea and certainly won't harm - having said that, don't use yoghurt, Chins are lactose intolerant. Either get small animal probiotics such as Vertark or Avi-pro (designed for birds). if not go to a health food store and pick up some powdered pro-bio for humans.

Thanks Jaina I have always used natural yogurt in the past- I had no idea. It was always said to be alright as a substitute as probiotics aren't easily available here. I can find Avipro on Ebay, but none locally . Will try the humidifier when I get home to see if it makes a difference at all.

No sneezing, btw. Wheezing is only occasional when awake- much like a human with some congestion, but when he's sleeping, it's steady with his breathing =( Would they just do xrays to check for a respiratory infection or could they tell by listening? That way I know what I should push for when I take him to see the vet.

Hi :-)

They don't need to xray for that, i think usually, they just take a closer listen at the breathing. i would have thougt a respiratory infoection should be easy for any vet to diagnose.

Sounds like you definitley need to go though if he's even doing it whilst he sleeps bless him. Just make sure you use pro-biotics with any anti-biotics, as the anti-biotics strip the gut of the good bacteria. I would just see if you could get some prescribed withyour anti-biotics and that should save you having to try find some

I know us vets is difficult and pricey. I'm so glad i have a specialist 10 mins away who is actually quite cheap.

Hope Yuma's ok. I'm in the US too and on the occasion that I've needed pro-biotics I just order Bene-Bac (cat/dog), my chins love it and take it easily and you can order it online here and it's not that expensive.

Hi Mariah

I agree a vet check is the best bet with wheezing I can also endorse Bene Bac we can't get it easily over here but when I've had it the chins take it readily and the beauty is you know they have had the correct dose at the correct time

Yuma

Thanks, all

Yep- used BeneBac before, totally escaped me til mentioned. I just wanted more insight before going to the vets blind. I thankfully have a teaching hospital close and isn't pricey really, I just don't trust them 200%. They were closed for the holiday today or I would've made an appt so I will be calling tomorrow. Have set up a humidifier and put it on a low percentage as it *is* dry and figured a bit of moisture wouldn't hurt. He's no worse or better this evening and hopefully can get a visit set up asap.

Will let you know! Thanks again

Vet confirmed a respiratory infection so we're now on Baytril and BeneBac Yuma is the only chin I've had that loves- and I mean LOVES- the Baytril. No wrapping in a towel for him, just laps it straight out the syringe

Thanks again everyone for your input.

Yuma must be surely the only chin anywhere who loves Baytril, lucky you

Yuma

I hope Yuma is restored to full health again soon
And back to Chinwags Mariah...it's lovely seeing you around again
(I often wondered how you were)

Glad to hear he's being a good patient - i wish Stitch would have liked Baytril - honestly, i haven't heard of a Chin yet who does.

I just typed in Dawny's intro post about me never coming across a chin liking Baytril and I pop into this thread and here is Yuma liking it hope it does the trick and she is feeling better soon!

Yuma Yup, I think Yuma is the only chin in Chindom that likes Baytril LOL