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have a 2 yr old shepard mix that was shot 2 days ago. vet ...

Sent to Pet Experts December 8 2005 at 5:05 PM
   

have a 2 yr old shepard mix that was shot 2 days ago. vet let us bring him home, but I am cincerned abt his breathing. sometimes fast & shallow, other times slow, but still shallow. could this be from pain or something else?

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Age: 2; Male; Breed: shepard

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Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
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December 8 2005 at 5:13 PM (8 minutes and 23 seconds later)
         
Where was he shot?
What did the vet do to treat his wounds?
Where x-rays and bloodwork done?

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Angelia -- Licensed vet tech -- 100% Positive Feedback on 65 Pet Accepts
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December 8 2005 at 5:21 PM (7 minutes and 53 seconds later)
         
he was shot in the neck, with a rifle. it hit his sholder blade and fragmented into 6 pieces (the slug) the vet gave him fluids ( he was in shock) and cleaned the area and stitched the large hole (not tightly, so it can drain.) the fragments were not in a dangerous area he said and they have not been removed yet. X rays were taken, but I dont know abt blood work. He was monitored at the clinic for 2 days but let us bring him home because he wouldnt eat. they said he was really sore, I am wondering if this is causing his erratic breathing.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
December 8 2005 at 5:49 PM (27 minutes and 40 seconds later)
         
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Animals will often respond to pain by erratic breathing patterns.
I hope that the gunshot did not affect his lungs. If one of his lungs was punctured in any way, he will have difficulty breathing as well. This would have been visible on x-ray and the vet wouldn't have sent him home without consulting you on his condition.
You will want to lift his lip up and check his color if possible. It should be a shade of pink. This will help you to keep an eye on him to make sure he is not in distress.
I'm sure he is very weak from not eating so you will want to try to get him to eat something. If he normally doesn't eat canned food, try that. You can also try boiled chicken or boiled hamburger to tempt him.
There are very good anti-inflammatorys available from your vet as well as pain medication.
If this continues through tomorrow, I would recommend giving your vet a call and asking if they could prescribe some pain relief medication.
Because of his trauma, I would not recommend any pain relief medicine over the counter.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.


Always consult the advice of your veterinarian if you are in doubt.
Please be kind and check "Accept" after reading answers that are suitably answered. Leaving feedback improves your ratings and mine.
Picture
Angelia -- Licensed vet tech -- 100% Positive Feedback on 65 Pet Accepts
10 yrs exp in busy hospital,licensed 9 yrs, exp'd in surgery,dentistry, radiology,laboratory
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