Having read the symptoms this sounds as if it may be lung worm and I am surprised that their was no mention of that as a possible cause. I do know that it was on of the possible causes when Zak was very ill with a respiratory problem. I also know that this is a problem that is in the increase in the UK and have seen several reports of this in other breeds including a recent case in an Irish Wolfhound Pup.

See here for more information:


http://icsouthlondon.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0225croydon/tm_headline=vets-warn-of-lung-worm-risk-to-dogs&method=full&objectid=19647886&siteid=53340-name_page.html