Have you ever wondered why your dog seems to have a hard time breathing? There are a variety of reasons why your dog may have a difficult time breathing. These include Tachypnea, Laryngeal paralysis and Eclampsia.

Eclampsia

Canine eclampsia, also called puerperal tetany, is a very serious condition in which a dog suffers from a sudden and dangerous drop in calcium levels in the blood. When this happens, it can cause severe muscle spasms, seizures, and restlessness.

A quick diagnosis and immediate treatment are essential to treating eclampsia. Although eclampsia can develop in any breed of dog, the most common symptoms are found in small breeds.

The main cause of eclampsia in dogs is a low dietary intake of calcium during pregnancy or lactation. Because of the intense demands on the mother’s system, her body struggles to absorb all the calcium that it needs to maintain normal health.

When the dog begins to nurse, she will continue to ingest the calcium her body is losing. However, if the eclampsia is not treated right away, it can lead to a coma, severe brain damage, and death. Luckily, with fast and thorough treatment, most dogs with eclampsia make a full recovery.

Cushing’s disease

If your dog is having trouble breathing, then there’s a possibility that he or she has Cushing’s disease. Although this disease is relatively uncommon in dogs, it can cause heavy breathing and a variety of other problems.

The first step in diagnosing Cushing’s is to see your veterinarian. Your pet may be given medications to help reduce the amount of cortisol in his or her blood. A complete blood count and urine analysis are also common tests. If your dog has a high ratio of cortisol to creatinine, then he or she likely has Cushing’s.

If your dog is diagnosed with Cushing’s, you’ll need to monitor him or her closely. If the condition persists, your veterinarian will recommend a series of treatments. In addition to medications, your veterinarian might suggest surgery to remove the tumor from the adrenal gland.

Laryngeal paralysis

Laryngeal paralysis is a condition in which one or both of the vocal folds becomes inflamed and cannot be fully opened. It is most commonly found in large breed dogs. It is also common in older dogs.

It is important to identify and treat this condition. Laryngeal paralysis can be a medical emergency that requires immediate care. Surgical treatment is usually needed in severe cases. This can greatly improve the quality of life for your pet.

The decision to operate is based on a combination of factors, including the benefits and risks. Typically, a surgery to tie the larynx back or to perform a laryngectomy is the most effective.

Symptoms are often gradual in onset. Signs include heavy breathing, noisy breathing, coughing, excessive panting, and a change in voice. The veterinarian may also perform a neurological examination to assess any damage to the nerves controlling the larynx.

Tachypnea

Tachypnea is a symptom of many different medical problems. The rate of breath in dogs with this condition can vary greatly. Some dogs can breathe fast while they are asleep, while others may suffer from an increased respiratory rate while they are exerting themselves.

Dogs suffering from heavy breathing are often left alone to die. However, there are ways to diagnose and treat the problem. The first step is to visit a veterinarian. They can perform a complete physical exam to check the dog’s health. They will also look for possible causes of the problem.

Tachypnea can be caused by a number of things, from stress to illness. For instance, dogs with lung diseases such as asthma, may be unable to breathe properly. Another cause of heavy breathing is heat stroke.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a serious health issue that can affect a dog’s body. It occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Symptoms include a slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, increased thirst, and weight loss.

It is possible to treat hyperthyroidism with medications. The most common medications for this condition are doxorubicin, cisplatin, and toceranib phosphate (Palladia).

The condition is often caused by a thyroid tumor, which can be either benign or cancerous. Thyroid cancer may be diagnosed through imaging and blood tests. It can be detected early, which is important to improve the chance of survival.

If your dog is suffering from hyperthyroidism, it is important to seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Treatment options range from medication to nutritional management.

Your vet will conduct a physical exam and perform a complete blood count. They will also run a urinalysis. This can help rule out other causes of increased urination.