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jackvaughn · Jan 7, 2011, 08:00 PM

I have a rat terrier and he is having breathing problems. I have taken him to the vet and they can't find anything wrong with him it is getting worse what can I do for him.

shazamataz · Jan 7, 2011, 10:02 PM

When does he have trouble breathing? Morning/Night? During exercise? When pressure is applied to his neck? Does his chest sounds crackly?

There are quite a few possibilities from allergies to soft palate, if you could give a little more details into when and how he breathes it would be helpful.

jackvaughn · Jan 8, 2011, 08:46 PM

He has trouble breathing all the time it is not any certain time. He is very raspy and he gags when he is breathing some time he throws up and sometimes he doesn't. He is also 11yrs old. This has been going on about 5mths and it is getting worse

shazamataz · Jan 9, 2011, 06:03 AM

Gagging and coughing can sometime be an indication of heart problems such as murmurs. Allergies also have very similar symptoms but neither usually involve vomiting.

It is hard to pinpoint a problem without actually physically seeing and examining a dog but I can give you some pointers on what to ask your vet next time.
I would ask him to do some bloodwork to make sure there is nothing internal going on, plus screen for allergies.
Also get his heart checked out.
Has the vet checked down his throat for irritation? That is another possibility. And if you are a smoker then throat and lung cancer is possible as well...

I think you can see where I am going with this... there are a lot of possibilities and given his age it makes it an even wider range.
I wish I could give you an answer but I'm afraid no-one but your vet can, and I would be seeking a second opinion if yours hasn't done the things I mentioned above already.

Aurora_Bell · Jan 9, 2011, 12:34 PM

I have a dog with a heart murmur, and she has the same symptoms. If the vet has not been able to pick up on it, it sounds like it could be a low grade murmur. In which case a good diet and exercise can go along way. If in fact is a murmur at all.

Shaz makes some excellent points. I would suggest asking the vet everything she has mentioned. I would also suggest seeing a second vet for another opinion.

smokey3540 · Jul 1, 2011, 10:59 PM

My rat terrier is 11 years old, we found out he has cancer in his throat, as well as fluid on his lungs, I been sitting here watching him breathe, he is getting worse and I might have to put him to sleep, I am just so sad to do this I have had him since he was a pup and it hurts me to have to do this. If your dogs breathing heavy have them check his lungs make sure he don't have fluids on them.

paleophlatus · Jul 3, 2011, 05:59 PM

I agree that may be a problem with either his heart or lungs. The heart can create lung problems if it isn't working up to capacity. This allows fluids to collect in the lungs, which is essentially pneumonia, and it cuts down on the available air space in his lungs. Would expect you to have mentioned a rather persistent cough in your description, however.

The raspiness and gagging may be from a swelling in the back of his throat, or in his voice box (larynx), or farther down his windpipe. A better exam of this area seems to be in order.

A weakening heart, as mentioned above, can lead to congestive heart failure, and fluids in the lungs. This is usually treatable, but requires a vet to oversee it. If you think your present vet isn't quite up to the task, I would also suggest a second opinion from another vet.

paleophlatus · Jul 3, 2011, 06:03 PM

Yes, better late than never. At least it's still a 2011 question.

smokey3540 · Jul 3, 2011, 06:21 PM

June 2,2011 we put our dog Smokey to rest, Omg this is the hardest thing to do, I feel lost with out him and so does his sister Bandit, I can't eat or sleep since yesterday. I pray for those pets out there they stay healthy as my smokey was ill I pray if you have to put a pet down you are prepared for the worse of it

smokey3540 · Jul 3, 2011, 06:22 PM

Sorry about date that IS jULY 2

Aurora_Bell · Jul 4, 2011, 04:32 AM

Smokey, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I also have just lost a wonderful dog of 12 years. It was a very hard thing to do to say good bye to such and old friend. My heart goes out to you and your family. Here is a thread you may like to view, or post a picture.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/lounge...ds-488689.html