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Question

I have a walker hound/pit bull mix that has been breathing fast and shallow for about 2 weeks. She is 8 years old and 35lb. I gave her a penicillin shot (.5cc) 4 days ago and another 2 days ago. She seems to be a little stronger, but she wheezes worst and her breath is shorter. When she coughed, she sounded like she didnt have the strength to do any good. Now she seems to cough a little harder, but more often. I also treated her for round worms 2 days ago. Her breathing is very labored and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Jeramee

Submitted: 662 days and 21 hours ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Optional Information:
Age: 8; Female; Breed: pit bull/walker hound

Already Tried:
2 penicillin shots round worm treatment

Accepted Answer

You may be causing more damage by giving penicillin injections so first you want to stop that. Even though you likely didn't give enough to do anything, giving low amounts of any antibiotic just makes it that much harder to fight it when the correct antibiotic is chosen, as some bacteria have learned to be resistant.

Pneumonia doesn't just pop up out of the blue- it is often secondary to other coughing/lung issues/viruses. Also there are a wide variety of things that her symptoms can signify, just some of them I'll list here:

heart disease, aspiration, pain (from anywhere in the body), heartworm, lungworm, fluid build up in the chest, enlarged organs in the abdomen (which put pressure on the diaphram), blood pressure irregularities, kennel cough, upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, asthma, etc etc etc.

Unfortunately you're not going to know what is going on without a vet visit, but since you are concerned and labored breathing is a severe symptom, you do want a vet to diagnose this asap.

If you have financial concerns, you can apply for care credit at the vet's office:

http://www.carecredit.com

Best wishes,

Christine

 

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Expert: ChristineLVT
Pos. Feedback: 99.9 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 1/30/2008

Certified Veterinary Technician

Licensed veterinary technician (B.S. Mercy College), 10 yrs in animal medicine and training

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