Just left my Labbie girl at the animal hospital...

[KathyTX]

She's panting and wheezing, and having to work way to hard to get her breath...

Sambuca's a 13 year old (mostly) Lab, a pretty healthy one for an old girl. She started breathing a little bit hard a few weeks ago, like a constant light panting. Our vet diagnosed some esophageal paralysis, making her airway a bit too small. He explained that it could stay that way for a long time or get suddenly worse, and that it's not uncommon to see this in large breeds.

I got home today and found her really struggling to get air in. She makes a loud wheezy noise as she's breathing, she's panting very fast, and you can see her muscles really working hard.

Our regular vet's closed, his answering service referred me to a nearby animal hospital. I took her there, and they're going to xray to look at her heart and then sedate her to get a good look down her esophagus.

I'm worried about my old girl.

It sure is quiet here without my shadow dog following me around the house and trying to lay on my feet when I sit at the computer.

 

[Aurora63]

Sending some pixie dust her way!

Hope she (and you) are feeling better soon!

 

[Ibelieveinfairies]

KathyTX,
I am sorry that you and Sambuca are going through such a scary time! PD sent your way and let us know how everything goes!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Awwwww, Kath. Hoping Sambuca feels better quickly and is again laying there on your feet (sounds so nice). Let us know how she is doing.

 

[enchantedpixiedust]

I'm so sorry she's sick. I'm sure she's getting the best of care. My vet in Coppell started closing at noon on Fridays and it seems everytime I need them now it's Friday afternoon.

Keep us up to date -

 

[Hannosmom]

Oh Kathy, I know you are very worried. You know I love those furbabies! I am sending lots of good thoughts and pixie dust for Sambuca.

 

[KatelynnsAuntie]

's to you and your fur baby. I hope she is okay! I'll look for an update.

 

[Pooh67_68]

 

[jx3smom]

I know how hard it is when a furbaby is ill. Hugs to you and I hope she gets better.

 

[sjh801]

Prayers and Pixie Dust for you and Sambuca.

 

[grinningghost]

I sure hope your furry feels better soon and can come home to you.

 

[minniecarousel]

It's tough when our pets are sick. Keeping good thoughts for yours.

 

[KristaTX]

Aw, Kathy - I'm sorry your little puppy is a sickster .

Krista

 

[Pooh93]

 

[janette]

I hope she's okay Kathy. They are special and it's hard to be without them. We've used the ER vet here a few times and they have always been great at taking very good care of our babies.

 

[Aimeedyan]

hugs to you =)

let us know how she is doing, okay?

 

[ead79]

for you, Kathy. I hope everything turns out ok.

 

[KathyTX]

Thanks for the kind thoughts for the fur monster, everyone.

The vet called and said her heart looks great in the Xrays. He sees the problem in her throat- laryngeal paralysis. He's got her on tranquilizers and steroids to calm her and reduce the swelling caused by the struggling to breathe...

We have an appointment with a veterinary surgeon on Monday morning, and the vet says we'll just need to do all we can to keep her still and quiet through the weekend. He thinks the surgeons will be able to suture open the part that's blocking her windpipe since it's not opening correctly on its own (okay, that's probably a ridiculous oversimplification of what they do, but it works for me...) We'll have to wait until the consultation with the surgeon on Monday to find out for sure.

 

[NC Belle]

Sending out prayers and PD.

 

[helenabear]

I do hope she will be okay soon!