Puppies arriving to pet stores face many challenges as they adapt to their new surroundings. Reducing shipping stress and increasing resistance to infection are key issues that ultimately affect profitability. Nebulization therapy is the first line of defense against disease and stress.
Improper hydration of the airways in a puppy can be caused by electrolyte imbalance, change in diet, shipping stress, or exhaustion. Furthermore, abnormal mucus production causes retention of secretions. This provides the perfect breeding ground for infectious agents to take hold. Normal coughing is the most important defense against retained secretions. However, membrane dehydration due to lack of ventilation and shipping can prevent normal secretion removal.
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Nebulizers are used to administer fluids directly to the respiratory system by producing an aerosol - a suspension of fine vaporized liquid droplets. Nebulizers have the capability of delivering medications and moisture completely to the tracheobronchial tree. Within the veterinary community there has been a renewed interest in the nebulization of antibiotic solutions. Contrary to other treatment options, higher concentrations in respiratory secretions can be achieved with aerosol therapy. With the use of this localized delivery system effective antimicrobials can have a direct effect on surface organisms such as B. bronchiseptica (a contributing factor in kennel cough). A formula of sterile saline, DMSO, and Gentocin Rx administered for 15-20 minutes 2 times per day is recommended for treatment.
Tea tree and eucalyptus oils have shown great results in general use to re-hydrate airways as well as a preventative against infection. When incorporating tea tree or eucalyptus oil into a nebulizer treatment dilute the oil with sterile saline and administer for 10 minutes. These products possess anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties in an all-natural drug-free application.
