Help! Excessive Panting

[dukedogsmom]

I know this belongs in dog health but I also know a lot of people don't go over there and I need some advice. Duke is panting pretty heavily all the time now. He wakes me up at night panting loudly. I'm so worried because this is how his last pancreatitus attack happened. That was a year and a half ago and ever since then, he has eaten nothing but special food and treats which are given very sparingly. We're taking a road trip in a week and will be gone for 12 days. I'm scared to death that something is going to happen while on that trip. He just had a vet checkup about a month ago but the panting has gotten worse since then, also. I've gotten all his records printed out to take with me, just in case. Anyone have any advice or suggestions? I'm seriously considering taking him back to the vet, even though I need all the money I can because I'm renting a car. I just don't know what to do and get sad when I think about him maybe being sick. He acts normal otherwise, though. Sorry for the rambling.

[Kfamr]

I don't think i've ever seen him not panting, other than when he was sleeping.

I really don't know what to say. Simba has started to pant a bit too, not as much as Duke, but he does quite often.

Maybe just call the vets and ask them what they think.

[anna_66]

I don't want to make you worry but Angus did alot of panting too. We were never quite sure why though. Wouldn't hurt to call the vet and ask his advice. I hope it's nothing.
Keep us updated Val.

[micki76]

I would at least call the vet. If Duke's panting has gotten worse, it could be a sign of some sort of pain. A call can't hurt.

[Tinkerboots]

My intention is not to scare you, but to make you aware of the possibilty. One of my dogs, Beethoven, had the same issue. He began panting alot. Very heavily, almost as if he was having a hard time trying to breathe. That or he was coping through pain. We brought him in to the vet after a day of keeping an eye on him. His panting had not weaken. It had gotten worse. It turns out that that was his way in managing his breathing through pain. Kind of like labor pains and the heaving breathing. After taking some blood tests and x-rays, the doctor found that not only does he have an enlarged heart, but he has a brain tumor as well. Heavy panting/breathing is a sure sign something is not right. It's their way in letting you know something is wrong. I would suggest bringing him in to be on the safe side. Better safe than sorry... I hope everything turns out fine. Duke will be in my prayers.

[Cookiebaker]

If it was me, I would call the vet and explain it to him/her exactly as you have here. Tell them what your concern is, and ask their advice whether or not you should bring him in. Ask for other symptoms that you should be aware of, and tell them that you are ready to head out for a trip.

Please keep us informed. We will keep you and the Dukester in our thoughts, and I hope you have a wonderful worry-free road trip!!

[sabies]

I would call the vet. Has his heart been checked? Gather some numbers of vets that will be along the way for your trip. My thoughts are with you and Duke!

[Fox-Gal]

Go see the vet before you leave, you'll feel better, he'll feel better and then you'll have a safe, happy, worry free trip. You know you won't enjoy the trip if you'r worried about him the whole time.

Plus, not to worry you sense painting can be from a lot of things, but a friend of mine just lost her baby and painting was one of the things she noticed too. Better safe then sorry.

Now don't go and freak out and worry your self to death, most likely it's nothing, just call the Vet, so you'll feel better about it.


BTW: give me a call about Thurs. That is if everythings ok with Duke and you.

[cloverfdx]

Val, i would also give the Vet a call and see what they say. I will be keeping both you and Duke in my thoughts and prayers that the panting is nothing too serious and that you have a safe trip.

{{Hugs}}

[dukedogsmom]

I've got to drop him off Monday morning so that the vet can do an exray of his chest and possibly a blood test. Vet asked if he sneezed and he does so often. So, I'm going to the store to get some benedryl. I hope it's nothing serious. It could be cushings disease which is not good at all. I got so upset last night researching what it could be. I wish he could just live forever.

[sabies]

Good luck Monday. I'll be thinking of you and Duke. Please don't worry yourself too much (I know that's not easy).

[wolfie]

Good luck at the vet's Duke!!! I hope it's nothing.

[chocolatepuppy]

I will keep Duke in my thoughts and prayers, hopefully it's nothing serious.

[K9soul]

Oh Val I know how worried you must be . Duke will be in my prayers and I hope everything goes well at his vet appointment. Let us know as soon as you find out anything. {{HUGS}}

[tomkatzid]

Tonee had 'cushings' and it is treatable, for many years. You'd just need blood test every 90 days. Does he have the other signs of 'cushings'? I hope the benedryl does the trick and he is just allergic to something in the air. Tonee was misdiagnosed for 2.5 yrs and they had her on a bronchial tube diolater. Waste of time and money. Blood work will tell you if he in fact he has ’cushings'.