Need “Breathing” Advice

[kyredneck]

“Rescued” a very overweight 4yr old EB from an elderly couple that had given him way to much table scraps, he is at an obese 98lbs. which I have him on a diet now to get at least 20lbs. off. Have had him for a bit and been doing well until a few weeks ago his breathing changed, It has been normal but lately he has been struggling will also pant heavy I’m assuming due to the breathing issue. Took him to my vet and also a 2nd vet for their opinion’s and both said same,, HE HAS TO LOSE THE WEIGHT ! I understand the assignment and working on it but neither thought X-rays were needed at the moment, my vet put him on Prednisone for his throat to help with airway. He has been great till just recently breathing issue started and I’m slightly concerned because he sounds really bad but will eventually settle down, no fainting, no tounge discoloration, not sick or throwing up, eating/drinking/pooping normal just sounds bad and activity level has decreased a lot,,, I know he is in discomfort when it happens and it scares the s*** out of me!
Would the excessive weight cause the breathing issue or should I have his throat scoped as well? I’m trying not to stress him out as he’s been through a lot

 

[benny]

It absolutely would cause breathing issues.

The fastest I’ve seen a dog drop weight was after going on raw. Target the weight you want and feed a minimum to that target. 78 is also too big. Male bulldogs “should be averaging” around 50, but 65 is pretty common.

It is expensive, but for example:
Primal Raw 40-60lbs is 2-3 patties a day. I would give NO MORE than 1.5 patties twice a day. If he gets a treat, take out a tablespoon of his next meal.

Exercise:
Start looking on Craigslist for a free treadmill and put him on it at a very low speed (1-3) for a few minutes every day, increasing as he can handle it.

 

[helsonwheels]

“Rescued” a very overweight 4yr old EB from an elderly couple that had given him way to much table scraps, he is at an obese 98lbs. which I have him on a diet now to get at least 20lbs. off. Have had him for a bit and been doing well until a few weeks ago his breathing changed, It has been normal but lately he has been struggling will also pant heavy I’m assuming due to the breathing issue. Took him to my vet and also a 2nd vet for their opinion’s and both said same,, HE HAS TO LOSE THE WEIGHT ! I understand the assignment and working on it but neither thought X-rays were needed at the moment, my vet put him on Prednisone for his throat to help with airway. He has been great till just recently breathing issue started and I’m slightly concerned because he sounds really bad but will eventually settle down, no fainting, no tounge discoloration, not sick or throwing up, eating/drinking/pooping normal just sounds bad and activity level has decreased a lot,,, I know he is in discomfort when it happens and it scares the s*** out of me!
Would the excessive weight cause the breathing issue or should I have his throat scoped as well? I’m trying not to stress him out as he’s been through a lot

Agree with @benny
What is he eating? If you can feed him a raw diet, he’ll lose all that excess weight. No treats but raw.

Prednisone destroys the gut flora. In his case at that weight it’s already destroyed. Start adding fermented foods like a couple tablespoons of fermented sauerkraut in the refrigerator section to his meals n some chopped raw liver as another topper. Make that Turmeric Paste so his joints heals as he’s losing weight. Raw Marrow bones builds the immune system, teeth, bones etc. this can be his treat of the week. They will chew n play with the bone for weeks. Being over weight, most probably has yeast issues. If not great. I’ve attached some great reading material in case of other issues. Btw, a raw diet will fix yeast problems.

How To Manage Yeast Infection In Dogs

Does your dog have itchy skin? Recurrent hot spots or gunky ears? Does she lick and chew at her feet? Not all skin issues are caused by allergies and in many cases, the cause of your dog's itchy skin can be found in her gut.

www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com

Finish your Prednisone prescription n maybe consider Quercetin. But that’s definitely up to you and not me.

Nature's Benadryl: Quercetin

When it comes to allergies, quercetin for dogs is a mighty flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine powers. Find out more about Nature's Benadryl.

www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com

Overweight Dogs

Help Your Overweight Dog - Dogs Naturally

Commercial weight control diets make your dog feel full, but provide poor nutrition. Here are better ways of helping your overweight dog ...

www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com

 

[kyredneck]

It absolutely would cause breathing issues.

The fastest I’ve seen a dog drop weight was after going on raw. Target the weight you want and feed a minimum to that target. 78 is also too big. Male bulldogs “should be averaging” around 50, but 65 is pretty common.

It is expensive, but for example:
Primal Raw 40-60lbs is 2-3 patties a day. I would give NO MORE than 1.5 patties twice a day. If he gets a treat, take out a tablespoon of his next meal.

Exercise:
Start looking on Craigslist for a free treadmill and put him on it at a very low speed (1-3) for a few minutes every day, increasing as he can handle it.

Thank you,, my other male EB is a perfect 70lbs. for his build and have 0 weight issues with him but this one I’m thinking is going to be a struggle. I’m not concerned on price of food as long I can extend his quality of life for many years as possible

 

[kyredneck]

I’m feeding them both kibble Acana Limited Ingredient Duck / Pear formula. I will get them both switched over to raw

 

[2BullyMama]

I’m feeding them both kibble Acana Limited Ingredient Duck / Pear formula. I will get them both switched over to raw

Also… prednisone can cause the panting as well..

Please keep us posted on how you’re all doing

 

[walterwhite]

hang in there, weight loss takes time but it'll make a huge difference for your pup!

 

[kyredneck]

It’s been a while since I’ve posted but Levi has lost weight but breathing is still not much better and has actually gotten a bit worse. He is scheduled to have BOAS surgery Oct. 16th,,this Thursday. I’m terrified but doing what’s best for him I’m thinking

 

[helsonwheels]

It’s been a while since I’ve posted but Levi has lost weight but breathing is still not much better and has actually gotten a bit worse. He is scheduled to have BOAS surgery Oct. 16th,,this Thursday. I’m terrified but doing what’s best for him I’m thinking

You have a photo of his nose?

Was there an X-ray done on his heart & lungs? I lost Jake, with zero issues of health, fit like a fiddle and in 24hrs ish gone just like that cause he had a huge mass on his heart which cause breathing issues because his windpipe went around his lungs due to the mass. He never showed signs of any pain.

 

[kyredneck]

You have a photo of his nose?

Was there an X-ray done on his heart & lungs? I lost Jake, with zero issues of health, fit like a fiddle and in 24hrs ish gone just like that cause he had a huge mass on his heart which cause breathing issues because his windpipe went around his lungs due to the mass. He never showed signs of any pain.

They are also opening his nose holes up as well, Nares procedure. Doing X-rays day of surgery

 

[2BullyMama]

Sending lots of hugs and prayers to you both! Please keep us posted

 

[kyredneck]

Sending lots of hugs and prayers to you both! Please keep us posted

Will do,, thank you so much

 

[helsonwheels]

They are also opening his nose holes up as well, Nares procedure. Doing X-rays day of surgery

Yes do keep us posted.

 

[kyredneck]

Update on Levi: BOAS surgery went GREAT! Surgeon said soft palate was worse than expected, said was size of a pinky finger and extended far down his throat extensively blocking airway also loose tissue affecting his vocal cords was also removed ,, Nares surgery was also successful and recovery time is expected to be 2 weeks. He is home now and resting comfortably. I wish I would have done this sooner,, surgeon said he had to be miserable with the size of the soft palate that was removed. Cost of everything was $3000 and I would pay 10 times that amount knowing how much it was affecting him. Here’s to a speedy recovery and back to chasing those dang chipmunks again !

 

[helsonwheels]

Glad he’s back on track! Just change that food and he’ll be good as new