Rapid breathing

nalatheballa

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So, Nala is almost 9 years old. 2 weeks ago, her breathing became more rapid off and on. She ate and drank and acted normal. This breathing progressed and the vet took xrays and blood work and all are normal. He thought it might be bronchitis, so he gave a cortizone shot. It did nothing and the vet said he's unsure of what it is. Her heart is also beating at an unusual rhythm. Today she's starting to hide and not active. I'm at a loss as to what I can do for her [emoji]128546[/emoji] Her heart/lungs looked ok on the xray so any ideas?
 

puck

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If she has an arrhythmia, she can experience episodes of tachycardia and dyspnea, higher irregular heart rate and increased effort/difficulty breathing. Arrhythmias are determined via ausculting the chest and running an ECG. They should get her blood pressure too.

Steroids should not be given to any patient with even the slightest suspicion of heart disease or defect.

Time to consult with a veterinary cardiologist, and if they give the all clear, a radiologist to assess her Xrays as they can review images for lung changes with much more expertise/knowledge. They may possibly perform an ultrasound if the heart and lungs are deemed normal.

Pain and fever are other rule outs, as these can cause increased rate and effort of breathing as well. A nine year old girl could have arthritis, soft tissue injury (pulled muscle/ligament), cancer, or other source of pain. Many other things can cause fever, such as internal infection, inflammation, or other less obvious causes that can't be visualized on exam or Xray. If your vet already ruled these out with the Xray, the ultrasound can ensure you're not missing any other source of pain/lethargy.

If pain and fever are ruled out, Ask for a referral to your nearest board certified cardiologist, either at a specialty hospital or a vet school. Good luck!
 
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