Need help please--breathing abnormality in 10-yr-old lab

[bnm127]

I have a 10 years old labrador retriever. For the past few days he has been breathing fast. Which is not normal for him. Right when he stand up he starts to breathe fast, like he has just went for a run. Is this normal??

[hazelrunpack]

Hi, bnm127. Welcome to the board.

If you've noticed a difference just in the past few days, no this isn't normal. Best to get him in to see a vet--it could be related to his heart or something to do with his respiratory system, and it's probably not something that you should wait on.

That sounds scary, but if you catch it early, there are treatments out there that can help. For instance, at the age of 11, our setter, Ridge, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She was put on enalapril, VetMedin, and furosemide and is now 13 and still going strong. So it's best not to wait--these things can spiral out of control quickly if not treated.

I hope the vet can give you good news!

[Longblades]

Ditto Hazel. Congestive Heart Failure was the first think I thought of. Our ESS did have that but without the heavy breathing and was fine for the rest of her life.

No, sorry, she had a very enlarged heart and Congestive Heart failure was a likelihood but we had to keep monitotring her.

[MaxaLisa]

It could also be from infection, or even pain in the joints. Definitely need a vet visit for a full evaluation, and I would start with bloodwork. If nothing shows up, I would want an xray too.