Sudden heat intolerence. Could it be syptoms of bigger issue?

[SILLY6PAK]

All of a sudden (seems sudden) my boy Rex seems intolerent of the heat. To me he seems to tire quicker than before and quicker than the other dogs. He also pants heavily with moderate exertion.
I asked my vet and he dismissed my worries saying all Boxers are heat intolerant. True but I really think he has gotten more lathargic. Maybe just age and maybe just my imagination.

Does anyone out in Boxerland think this might be symptoms of a larger issue?
Rex is 6 yrs old, fixed and no previous health issues although he is a rescue and had an EXTREMELY harsh life before joining our family (3 yrs ago).
Any feedback would be so appreciated.

 

[gary766]

My rescue Conner started having seizures. We noticede that it was when he was in the heat and running around. He started having them more and more even after a short time in the heat. He did not have one over the winter but again started having them this summer, even when he just went out for a potty break. Don't know if it is the same thing though....GOOD LUCK

 

[gmacleod]

That's something you should have looked into by a vet. One possible indication is a heart problem - and you need to catch that early. Another possibility may be a palate problem (my guy has that issue, and has horrendous problems with heat). If your currrent vet isn't interested, maybe it's a good idea to take him to someone entirely new? And if they find nothing - at least you've got a little more peace of mind.

 

[SILLY6PAK]

Thank you both for taking the time to respond.
If I took Rex to another vet would it need to be a heart specialist? I was right in my gut both times Holly was misdiagnosed and I feel equally strongly that something mybe up with Rex.

With Henri's palate problem, did you notice that right away or has it been a progression?
Rex's problem's started this summer. At first I thought he was depressed because my husband broke his leg and arm. Rex did not eat while Mark was in the hospital and stood vigil by his bed when Mark was home. Now everyone is healthy Rex is still lagging.

Again thanks and should I look for a specialist or a general vet next?

 

[gmacleod]

If you feel it is a heart problem, then a specialist would be a good idea. Do you get a chance to take a look at his gums when he has his episodes? Paleness would be an indication of limited circulation/blood pressure, giving a very strong clue that the problem is with the heart.

With Henri's palate problem, did you notice that right away or has it been a progression?

No, it was not evident when he was younger. I suppose with hindsight some signs were there, in that he had less stamina than some others in the heat. But it was also slight enough that it could equally be explained by him just being a heavier, less agile dog. As he's become older though, it is simply obvious that this dog cannot handle heat at all. He is absolutely fine in the winter - it cannot get too cold for Henri But come summer, he suffers in the sun - has to sit down frequently, his panting is extreme with mild exertion (though it's also clear that the problem is overheating and not enough air - not not enough blood pressure). He's seen a specialist - and is not severe enough to risk surgery (palate surgery is quite risky). But it's severe enough to require management (i.e. he either walks/runs in the evenings, or he goes to the river to play where he can keep himself cool by other means than panting).

Anyway, if there aren't clear enough signs to indicate the general direction of Rex's problem - then I guess your options are either to just see a cardiologist and if he decrees there's nothing wrong with the heart, go general. Or find another general vet first and see if he can narrow down the general cause enough for you to head to the relevant specialist.

 

[SILLY6PAK]

What exactly is the palate problem? Too narrow? I have had that with a horse.
I have not checked Rex's gums but there are no real "episodes" per se, just what would seem depressed or tiered. Also Rex's is the first to start panting and the last dog to stop.
I think I will start with a general vet and see where that leads. We have a break in the heat tomorrow. If it were a heart condition then the temperature shouldn't effect the symptoms or should it???? I know with people the extremes in weather is hard on the heart. Jeez the more I type the more I confuse myself. These dogs are going to put me in an early grave. Seriously, I do not want Rex to ever suffer again so I want to catch this early if there is something to catch.

 

[ELubas]

If it were a heart condition then the temperature shouldn't effect the symptoms or should it???? Seriously, I do not want Rex to ever suffer again so I want to catch this early if there is something to catch.

Heat can most definetely effect a dog with a heart problem, particularly if they get over heated. I have an SAS boy and I seriously restrict him in the heat. He had one collapse in the heat when I did not know enough to restrict him and that was that for me :( He could not be happier that fall is here and becomes puppy- like because he has so much more stamina Hope all is well with your pup

 

[gmacleod]

Yes, heat would certainly affect a dog with a heart issue also. Especially a brachycephlic breed - they are already inefficient breathers.

As for Henri, his problem is an elongated palate - meaning that it overlaps the epiglottis and restricts his breathing. The palate is supposed to close off the airway only during the act of swallowing (so food goes down the throat, not into the lungs). But in his case, partially obstructs his airway more frequently - especially when he is hot, because then, as with any other dog, his tongue and other parts of the mouth expand (which is normal - designed to provide more surface area for air cooling - but in Henri's case, makes breathing more difficult because the palate is already taking up too much room). This can be a degenerative condition - meaning that it can cause damage to the laryngeal cartillage, eventually causing it to collapse.