Ask Your Pet Question. Pet Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Pet Question?)

12 yr old beagle/basset mix with almost constant panting ...

Sent to Pet Experts May 22 2006 at 2:19 AM
   

12 yr old beagle/basset mix with almost constant panting and shivering. Saw her vet 5 days ago and blood test results seemed normal, heart and lungs sounded OK. Was having problems keeping food down for a few days but that has passed, but panting and drinking has increased. Any ideas ?

 

Optional Information:
Age: 12; Female; Breed: beagle basset

Already Tried:
see question, nancy suggested teeth but that had to do more with vomiting, panting now more pronounced
/p>

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 22 2006 at 4:47 AM (2 hours and 28 minutes and 39 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Panting and shivering are vague signs that can suggest nervousness, fear, fever, or pain. Did your vet take her temperature at that visit 5 days ago? Even if they did, it probably should be checked again to make sure that she doesn't have a fever.

I suspect your dog is having some discomfort somewhere and it can be challenging to figure out where exactly the problem is. The most common location would be in the neck or spine. These dogs will often yelp if they are picked up or try to jump on the couch. Dogs with neck pain often appear to have difficulty resting comfortably or lowering their head to eat out of the food bowl. Another possibility would be pain in the abdomen because of her recent vomiting problems. She could also be exerpeicing some acid reflux type discomfort because of the recent vomiting. Severe dental disease can also cause significant pain.

Other causes of panting include heart and lung disease. Even though everything sounded fine, some things will show up on an x-ray that cannot be heard by listening with a stethescope. Cushing's disease (adrenal gland problem) can cause panting, but should have had an elevated alkaline phosphatase (this is a routine liver enzyme time) on her previous blood work. Overweight dogs pant more, but wouldn't expect shivering. Metabolic acidosis (a metabolic abnormality) also can cause panting, but should have shown up in her previous blood work.

I would recommend having her seen again by your vet. Make sure they take her temperature and feel her neck and spine for evidence of discomfort. If they can localize her pain, they likey will recommend an x-ray.

Reply
May 22 2006 at 4:58 AM (10 minutes and 55 seconds later)
         
Reply to Dr. Sharon B.'s Post: This started about 10 or so days ago when she began dropping and not eating her dry food, only the canned portion of her meals. Then she didn't want the canned food and we thought she might have a tooth problem. The vet saw nothing apparent without a thorough exam. She has progressed in the panting and shivering but has a good appetite for rice and hamburger, but seems very restless. Would a dental xray be helpful for diagnosing an abcess? Also could this be a thyroid problem, she has always been overweight but doesn't seem to be having any trouble moving around, in fact she has exhibited spurts of energy although we think this maybe more from agitation than anything else. I have an appointment in an hour with the vet so I'm trying to figure out what to ask him. Thanks so much for your help.
Answer
May 22 2006 at 5:18 AM (19 minutes and 43 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

A dental abscess could definitely still be a possibility and will require a dental x-ray to identify. (These are different than skull x-rays and not all clinics have the equipment to do dental x-rays). Dental x-rays will require anesthesia.

Also, you will want to make sure that she can open her mouth wide without it causing her any discomfort. Dogs with this problem often seem to have trouble picking up or chewing their food. There are several conditions that can cause this symptom that will then need to be explored.

Restlessness can be a sign of abdominal pain too. Make sure they feel her abdomen thoroughly. They may recommend rechecking her blood work (especially a CBC and possibly an amylase and lipase) if they think she has abdominal pain.

Dogs usually get hypothyroid (low thyroid) and that can contribute to the weight problem. I don't generally see panting with it, but it is possible. Hyperthyroidism (high thyroid) is uncommon in dogs and is usually do to cancer in the thyroid gland. Both of these can be could be diagnosed by doing a thyroid panel. I think either is possible, but neither is terribly likely to be causing the symptoms you describe.

Don't forget simple things like checking for fleas and anal gland impaction as I have seen both of these cause "spurts of energy" where the seem to be running to get away from some discomfort. Be sure to mention these episode to your vet.

Hope this helps.

Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Pet