Vet’s Views
Dr Kaushlendra Kumar
The doctor has been practising in Lucknow for the past 20 years in canine and other pet animal medicine and surgery
Q: My pet Labrador (3) has been panting heavily even while resting in a cool room; is this a sign of heart or lung distress? — Jaya Singh
A 3-year-old Labrador is in early adulthood. They must have a high BMR and be very active. Panting itself is not necessarily a symptom of cardiac or other thoracic ailments. It is currently the season for mild to moderate viraemia, in which an animal may show a mild fever. If this panting persists alongside lethargy and exercise intolerance, consider thoracic affections involving the heart or lungs. In either case, a proper check-up is needed. It is also the peak season for tick breeding; kindly check for these and seek proper treatment.
Q: My 2-year-old pet has been pacing and vocalising more at night for the past few days; could this be related to cognitive decline or environmental stress? — Rehana Ali
Two years is again a very high-energy age for your pet; these symptoms are characteristic of adulthood. This generally happens at night as they perceive hormonal changes during the cooler hours, or because they sense a partner of the opposite sex late at night. A permanent therapy can be the castration or sterilisation of the animal. Medical therapy, such as oral preparations for calming the mind, is available to keep him cool, calm, and free of anxiety.
Q: My Golden Retriever (5) is excessively licking/scratching its paws/ears; could this be allergic dermatitis or a parasitic infestation? — Mamta Singh
Excessive licking and scratching by a pet can be an early symptom of loneliness or stress. If this is not the case, parasitic infestations are the second most likely cause of excessive biting, which may include both internal and external worms. Licking, biting, and scratching become a habit for the majority of pets, leading to lick granuloma. Keeping your pet stress-free and providing a good, balanced diet and water with regular deworming will definitely help. Ensure you give them nothing that is prohibited for pets, such as nuts or chocolate. There can be other causes too, such as the environment or the animal's bedding; keep these hygienic and parasite-free.
Q: My 6-year-old Beagle is panting heavily/wheezing while at rest; is this respiratory distress or a potential heart condition? — Ketan Srivastav
A Beagle of 6 years old may be affected by either lung disease or heart ailments. If you notice excessive panting at night, wheezing, and exercise intolerance, it may indicate a thoracic ailment. These days, if a patient does not respond after three days of anti-allergy treatment, we immediately advise a chest X-ray to differentiate between heart and lung problems. In your case, you can provide anti-allergic medicines for three days; if the pet does not respond, ensure they are treated systematically.
Q: Are there any genetically predisposed conditions (like heart issues or joint problems) common to my pet's breed that I should be monitoring for now that my Pug is 7? — Vishal Sharma
Yes, the Pug breed is predisposed to eye affections and some respiratory conditions. Joint problems are largely lifestyle diseases, mostly seen following obesity. Keep the animal's weight around 10kg or below, and the Pug will be free from major joint issues as well as heart problems. Although joint issues are manageable with medication, they are best handled through weight-management food and mild exercise. A breed predisposition to difficult breathing is more challenging in the later stages of life. These days, some surgical corrections can be performed to clear the airways and help the Pug breathe more comfortably.
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