QUESTION

My 14 year old Border Collie will start panting as soon as we go for a walk she will also sit in her bed and pant or in the car. She fine, enjoys walks and food.Vet says her heart and lungs are fine. She is on Rymidal for arthris and Proprolin for incontience. Is this a doggy old age thing.

Eleanor

ANSWER

Dear Eleanor,
Well, the excessive panting may be seen more in dogs of an old age. But, really the cause needs looked in to. Pain can cause increased breathing, But it should be controlled on the pills. Heart disease is the most likely next cause, of which there are a few. Sometimes heart enlargement-cardiomegaly- will give you exercise intolerance, But the heart sounds ok. xrays, maybe other examinations, can often help out here, and get your dog the necessary treatment to settle the breathing on walks.

James Haddow