Panting and Fast Breathing

[sandramast]

We adopted our second Boxer Rescue dog 8 days ago. He is a 9 mo old male, found malnutritioned and a stray. When we got him the vet had "just" whacked his tail off, neutered him and for some unknown reason his entire scrotom was a big black, painful, scab. the rescue vet gave us some anti-biotic for possible tick fever (came back negative but was told to keep him on it anyway).

We took Cooper to our vet who put him on an additional antibiotic to help his skin to heal, and gave him a de-worming pill. His appetite up until today has been ravenous, 13-14 cups of dry food a day. Today he's eaten 6=7 cups.

Problem: He breaths so fast, all the time, even during sleep (mouth closed). Walking 10 feet can make him pant with his mouth open. His ears and skin feels warm to me also, (no temp taken yet - too sensitive). Sometimes while laying down his breathing is so fast you think his heart can't take the stress. Occasionally he'll take in a big breath, release, then starting panting again. We listen to this all night.

His check up is Monday afternoon. He's not over heated from temperature or over exertion, this is ALL the time. Any ideas?

I've found other postings on this but no results, diagnosis, or outcomes were posted afterwards.

This dog is the most adorable loveable personality, everyone that has met him falls in love with him. If you know anything please post. Thank you!!

 

[buddy'smom]

Wow! sounds like this poor little guy has been through more in 9 months than any animal should ever endure in a lifetime. I feel for him.

I am glad to hear that he has a vet app't on Monday and for sure bring up the panting issue to the vet. He may want to delve into things further. That being said, Don't rule out stress. This 9 month old has been stressed to the max both mentally and physically by the sounds of it. Dogs do pant when they are stressed, and yes I have been through the nights of panting when we first adopted Kailee, and as she settled and became comfortable and secure, the panting stopped. This comfort level can take some time, so don't expect miracles overnite.

13 to 14 cups of dry kibble a day sounds like a LOT :eek: more than an full grown dog eats WAY MORE! wow! For the life of me I cannot even begin to imagine why he is eating so much. I understand he came to you malnourished, but I think you may want to concentrate on feeding him less per day, and going to a high quality kibble, if you haven't already.

Good luck at the vets, and keep us posted on the outcome of his app't. He is one lucky little guy to have found a family that loves and cares for him so much.

Jean

 

[Debbie Magon]

Panting may be caused by hot conditions, such as heat, or exercise.
Could be from excitement and anxiety.
If he is in pain or fever?
If he has a unknown background he may have a medical problem .
Respiratory disease, asthma, heart disease, anemia (low number of red blood cells), head trauma, and brain tumors.
Panting can occur with kidney disease, shock, or diabetes.
I also see a lot of panting in bitches with low blood calcium levels , so if he is malnourished this is a possible , but not a probable.
Defianately a vet check situation.

 

[sandramast]

Thank you both for your replies. My vet has been calling every other day or so to check on Cooper and his breathing. I'm a little more hopeful in hearing that it could be residual stress and may take awhile. He has settled in quite well and seems to be happy, happy.

Coopers eating has slowed down the last two days and he is now eating about 6-8 cups. He just had a lot of catching up to do I think, plus he may have been of the mindset that this would be his last meal for awhile so "scrounge, scrounge, scrounge".

Our female Boxer can only tolerate Science Diet Sensitive Stomach so that's what Coopers been eating, I think it's pretty good.

We certainly hope his condition isn't any of the other maladies mentioned. This little guy is pure joy. I'll post updates as his condition is either diagnosed or improves.

Thank you all!!!