On Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 9:56:27 PM UTC+5:30, Jamie Wakefield wrote:

Been reading these groups for a few days looking for an answer, but everything similar points to an enlarged heart and he doesn't have
one.

Our Sheltie Merlin is panting all the time, and has labored breathing
even when sleeping.

He has always drunk more water than any of our other 3 dogs, even as a
puppy. And this continues to this day. He drinks water all the time,
and even needs a drink in the middle of the night lately.

Right now, its about 50-70 degrees most days with evenings in the
lower range, and he still pants like its a hundred degrees out.

We've taken him in for tests and they have found nothing. Blood work
done twice and x-rays right now have been sent off to a specialist to
look at them. His heart rate seemed normal, no murmurs, no enlarged
heart according to the x-rays.

Right now they're looking for fluid in the lungs but the vets couldn't
come to an agreement on if the chest was congested or not so they have
sent the x-rays out for more opinions.

His eyes are not bulging and he doesn't seem to pee any more than
usual. He hasn't thrown up any food and his appetite is just fine. He
seems to be okay on energy, but I get the feeling he is leery of
running as it makes him pant even more, but he does do it on occasion,
like when all the dogs go running outside barking at some imaginary
foe in the back yard.

He did have a one degree temperature.

Some questions for anyone who might be able to shed some light for me.

1. Any ideas? Anything at all?

2. Do dogs get Asthma? Should I just get an inhaler and find a way to
get him to use that? (kidding, but I'm desperate here)

3. Would a urine or stool sample help at all? My vet doesn't think so,
but I'm desperate. I'll try anything if it will help.

4. Any other tests anyone can recommend?

Thanks

Jamie C. Wakefield

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