If your dog is having trouble barking, is snoring while sleeping, and is panting really loud, you should probably take it to a vet soon. These symptoms can represent a lot of potential problems, and all of the issues that can cause these symptoms will require professional treatment. Here are several things you should know about these types of symptoms.
What Can Cause These Symptoms?
When a dog experiences the symptoms listed above, the symptoms might be caused by a lot of different things. Having something stuck in its throat is one cause, and this can lead to these symptoms because it can restrict the dog's air passage. This is not the only thing that can restrict the air passageway though. Dogs can develop growths, such as tumors, in this area, and these too can cause breathing issues and can restrict the way a dog barks.
These symptoms could also be a sign of paralysis of the larynx too. If this happens, the nerves located near the larynx are affected, and this will prevent a dog from being able to bark, because the larynx is the box used for making sounds when barking.
If your dog has a fever in addition to the other symptoms, there is also a chance this problem could be the result of a bacteria or viral infection. Infections can affect the way a dog breathes and barks, and they are easy to treat in most cases.
How Can A Vet Diagnose The Problem?
The first step a vet may take is listening to your dog's lungs. When the dog breathes, the doctor might be able to hear if something is struck in the lungs, and this could help the doctor find the problem. The vet may also try to take a peak down your dog's throat. If there is something stuck in the throat, the vet may be able to remove it.
If these steps do not help the doctor determine the problem, he or she might suggest taking x-rays. X-rays will reveal if there is a growth in this area, and this can help the vet know how to treat the problem. Vets can also perform endoscopies on dogs to see what is going on. An endoscopy is a test that involves placing a tube with a camera into the dog's throat. This test can usually reveal the cause of the problem, but it will require anesthesia.
How Is The Problem Treated?
Once the vet finds the problem, the treatment option used will be determined. If there is an object in the dog's throat, removing it will typically solve the problem. The dog's throat may be sore for a while, but it will typically heal within a short amount of time. If the dog has an infection, the vet will give it an antibiotic to help eliminate the infection from its body.
When the problem is something more severe, such as a tumor, the doctor may have to perform surgery on the dog to remove the growth. If the dog is diagnosed with paralysis of the larynx, the vet may also suggest surgery. If this condition is left untreated, it may lead to additional breathing problems and pneumonia. The surgery used for this generally involves opening up the dog's windpipe.
If you feel like your dog is suffering from the symptoms it has, or if you just want to make sure the dog is not sick, you should take it to an animal hospital to allow a vet to examine it. This will help you determine what is wrong with your dog, and that is the first step to providing it with the right treatment.
