Old dog, growly

[poiuytrewq]

My old lady has always been quite vocal playing, never nasty but “chatty”
Everyone laughs at her growling in her sleep, I’m a bit worried though, she growls on the exhale of every breath (when she’s doing it, not always). It’s not only in her sleep, it’s when she’s lying down (this is why it’s concerning me)
Her exercise tolerance is lower because of her doddery old legs, so I can’t say if she breathes normally out walking because she gets too tired to go far.
My concern is heart or lungs.
I have just made an appointment, she’s going to see the vet on Tuesday, she’s absolutely fine I’m herself. Wants to play, happy to go on short walks, chase a ball, albeit gently compared to her younger days.
If I was really closely watching I’d say she pants more than I’d like and maybe breaths faster sometimes than normal.
What does this say to you?
Ive had a dog with heart disease and it was similar in a way but not in others.
Is a chest X-ray the only way to find out? I’m very worried about leaving her and GA big more the leaving her bit.

 

[Bellasophia]

A good vet will be able to assess your dog with a stethoscope ..this will rule out a heart murmur....if there is cause to investigate further I would expect an eco gram..no need to go under an anaesthetic..the dog lies in a dark room,held gently,on a table..they can see a lot from this if the vet is specialized to use the machine.The dog will have its chest shaved and gel applied.
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=9453775

In Italy when the weather switches,even my young dogs will pant here and there ,especially before they sleep.I leave fresh water available in very room and get my big fans out. Maybe your girl is reacting to the warmer spell that some of Uk has had?
Some heart compromised dogs will sit with their front leads slightly apart.It’s another pointer.,some wil have a little cough,others eat less etc...
here is a good,link with more suggestions..
https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/5-common-signs-heart-disease-dogs

 

[poiuytrewq]

Thanks, she’s not coughing, my old dog used to cough, I’d forgotten that.
I’m not sure we have had it warm enough to be weather here certainly, but maybe.
She’s eating normally but slower maybe.
I’ll watch how she lies, she is a bit anti social and lies in the other room to us ?
I’ll look at that link thanks.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Reading through the second link none seems to apply to her. All very much like my old dog.
So I think it’s more lung, my bosses 2 dogs had lung problems of some kind, maybe it’s them she’s reminding me of more.
I’m not desperately worried, I just need to check it out.

 

[DiNozzo]

Is she dreaming?

My parents dog makes much more of a fuss in his sleep, now he's old, than he ever did.

He squeaks and growls, and barks sometimes. Can go on for a few minutes.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Is she dreaming?

My parents dog makes much more of a fuss in his sleep, now he's old, than he ever did.

He squeaks and growls, and barks sometimes. Can go on for a few minutes.

No, she’s awake some of the time. It’s like every breath out is forced.
I think, I’m hopefully over reacting but I’d also like to discuss metacam for her legs so it’s a worth while trip either way.
Best case I’m being a over protective dog mum ?

 

[FinnishLapphund]

I've heard that it's not unusual for old dogs to develop various degrees of Canine Chronic Bronchitis. Most common symptom is daily coughing for over 1 month, but sometimes the symptom could also be wheezing or difficulty breathing for 2, 3 months or longer.
Perhaps it could be something like that?
https://www.trudellanimalhealth.com.../canine-bronchitis-symptoms-causes-treatments
https://bluepearlvet.com/medical-articles-for-pet-owners/canine-chronic-bronchitis/

 

[poiuytrewq]

I've heard that it's not unusual for old dogs to develop various degrees of Canine Chronic Bronchitis. Most common symptom is daily coughing for over 1 month, but sometimes the symptom could also be wheezing or difficulty breathing for 2, 3 months or longer.
Perhaps it could be something like that?
https://www.trudellanimalhealth.com.../canine-bronchitis-symptoms-causes-treatments
https://bluepearlvet.com/medical-articles-for-pet-owners/canine-chronic-bronchitis/

I wouldn’t say it’s like that either! Looking at her now she’s completely normal!
As above though I’d like some stiffness support for her so she is due a visit.

 

[Redders]

Before your appointment, it would be really useful to the vet to help with figuring out if further investigations are needed, if you go to the appointment knowing her respiratory rate at rest/when sleeping. Do it a few times so you can have an average - it will allow the vet to quantify the answer to the question ‘have you noticed any change or increase in her breathing?’
I hope it’s nothing to be concerned about

 

[poiuytrewq]

Before your appointment, it would be really useful to the vet to help with figuring out if further investigations are needed, if you go to the appointment knowing her respiratory rate at rest/when sleeping. Do it a few times so you can have an average - it will allow the vet to quantify the answer to the question ‘have you noticed any change or increase in her breathing?’
I hope it’s nothing to be concerned about

That’s a good idea. Thanks I’ll do that

 

[Clodagh]

And maybe a video? Whenever I take a dog to the vet it immediately stops doing whatever behaviour I am there for them to see. Lame? Me? I'm not lame!

 

[poiuytrewq]

And maybe a video? Whenever I take a dog to the vet it immediately stops doing whatever behaviour I am there for them to see. Lame? Me? I'm not lame!

If she does it again, she’s been fine since I finally decided to ring and make the appointment ?‍

 

[poiuytrewq]

So, with minimal invasion we have a diagnosis that I can’t for the life of me remember the name of. Stupidly I figured I’d remember and look it up from home. I can give a rough explanation!
She had slight arthritis in her hips but a good range of movement and isn’t really stiff.
The vet did that test where they turn the paw over and normally a dog will correct it. Not only did she not correct it but actually fell over. This was both hinds and near fore, less so off fore.
Some kind of inflammation in her neck area, umm, she’s going back next week and I’ll take a pen to write it all down!
She’s going to have some steroids for a week and see how she does, if that helps ?

 

[poiuytrewq]

The growling probably isn’t growling, her lungs and heart sounded ok but something that makes the larynx louder when lying down/ hot/stressy etc. It’s kind of linked to the above.

 

[FinnishLapphund]

Fingers crossed hope the steroids makes some positive difference.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Fingers crossed hope the steroids makes some positive difference.

Thanks, it’ll be a case of managing rather than treating but she’s at least 15 and very chirpy.
My old lab years ago had similar. I should have known to try the knuckle test but It just didn’t occur to me!
I was more concerned about the noise than her legs! I figured her wobbles was purely old age.
Im excited to see how/if the steroids help much.