Tonsillitis

[Janice Lumby]

Hi, I wonder if anybody has experienced their Irish Setter having problems with their tonsils.  My vets are not prepared to accept he has tonsillitis as it is not in their medical journal.  He has been on antibiotics for 6 weeks and as soon as he stops having them all the symptoms come back not eating, slavering then has a high temperature.  When back on antibiotics everything goes back to normal.  I have been advised  that in their 14 years of practising they have never come across bacteria tonsillitis.

If anybody has had the same problem and has a vet who has knowledge on this could you please let me know.

Fergus has now had his tonsils removed, and has made a full recovery.

[Kimberly Simmons]

How frustrating and worrisome for you! I hope they get him diagnosed and treated soon. : (

[Sue Paterson]

I was under the impression that tonsillitis was well recognised in Irish setters, and one of the things we were always told to look for if dogs went off their food.

I know some of the long time breeders, who aren't on here any more, would have had some helpful comments for you.

[Janice Lumby]

That would have been helpful, I will have to do more research thanks for your help.

 

[Jo Ottinger]

we had a cat who had tonsillitis.  make since that dogs can get it too

[Sue Paterson]

Not sure but I've read that you should check if your dog needs a dental clean up, or check anal glands (is he licking there)....both possible causes of repeated oral bacterial infections which could be re-infecting tonsils when the antibiotics are stopped.

[Howard Glansfield]

I was told by a vet ,in the veterinary clinic that I use,that setters were known to be prone to tonsillitis.Many years ago we had such a dog and she responded well to anti-biotics but only needed one course.I hope you can sort the problem out soon, Janice.

[Howard Glansfield]

This might help:

http://www.eastpaddenanimalhospital.com/dog_canine_pet_care/tonsill...

[Janice Lumby]

Thank you Howard for your help.

[Kate Condron]

Your dog has all the symptoms that our dog had. It is classic to that described in Janice Roberts book (The Irish Setter) first published in 1978, see page 144 under general ailments. From our own personal experience you must insist they are taken out. Our dog thrived and developed so well after, we had no more eating problems, he was generally a happier healthier dog.

It must be your decision as to what is best for your dog, but to keep him on antibiotics is putting him at risk. Good luck, wish you & your dog well.

 

[Janice Lumby]

Hi Kate thank you for your comments.  He has now had them out and just as you have said he is a different dog.  I have had a lot of resistance from the vets and the second vet who has taken them out did so because I agreed to a CLAD test which I know he definatley does not have as he is hereditary clear.  When did you have your dogs taken out and can I ask is your dog a bitch or a dog, as I have found it mainly effects the boys.  I don't know what I can do about it but would like to highlight the symptoms somehow as I would not wish the experience on another dog and owner.  His tonsils were only tested by the vets because I insisted and his tonsils were swollen no abscess.  Without antibiotics he had a temperature of 40.3 which was dangerous, vets don't think the temperature is just due to problems with his tonsils.