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Breathing problems occur in most Shih Tzu dogs, and they can get cured by treatments. But first, you must figure out what problem they are facing from which the breathing problem has occurred.
What could the problems be? Here I’m listing some issues and treatments for Shih Tzu breathing problems. Most of the shih tzu face stenotic nares. It is the common cause of breathing issues.
Let’s dive into the article to learn more about the causes, treatments, and medications for Shih Tzu breathing problems!
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome:
The brachycephalic is given to breeds like Shih Tzu that have breathing problems related to their bodies. It’s a general term that incorporates four health issues. That includes stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, collapsed larynx, and trachea issues. The Shih Tzu facing brachycephalic syndrome also has a long soft palate and stenotic nares.
The common brachycephalic airway syndrome has the following symptoms:
- Breathing difficulties
- Panting
- Trouble eating
- Noisy breathe
- Coughing
- Cyanosis
Elongated Soft Palate:
What Is It?
The soft palate is the beat of the skin at the back of the throat, as brachyce
Question from Floki: My dog is a shitzu, he is not breathing right,
Answer from AI:
If your Shih Tzu is having trouble breathing, it&#;s important to take immediate action as this could be a sign of a serious health issue.
Immediate Steps to Take
Here are some immediate steps you should take:
- Stay Calm: Your pet can sense your anxiety which may make their condition worse. Try to remain calm and composed.
- Check for Obstructions: If it&#;s safe to do so, check your dog&#;s mouth and throat for any obvious obstructions that could be causing difficulty breathing.
- Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any other symptoms your dog may be showing, such as coughing, wheezing, or blue gums. These details can be helpful for the vet.
- Contact Your Vet: If your dog&#;s breathing doesn&#;t improve quickly, contact your vet immediately or take your dog to an emergency vet clinic.
Possible Causes
There could be several reasons why your Shih Tzu is having trouble breathing. Some common causes include:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome: Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a short nose and flat face. This can lead to breathing problems.
- Heart Disease: Difficul
Question from Floki: My dog is a Shih Tzu and is having trouble breathing, what should I do?
Answer from AI:
If your Shih Tzu is having trouble breathing, it&#;s important to take immediate action as this could be a sign of a serious health issue.
Immediate Steps to Take
Here are some immediate steps you should take:
- Stay Calm: Your pet can sense your anxiety which may worsen their condition. Try to remain calm and composed.
- Check for Obstructions: If it&#;s safe to do so, check your dog&#;s mouth and throat for any obvious obstructions that could be causing difficulty in breathing.
- Provide Fresh Air: Make sure your dog is in a well-ventilated area with plenty of fresh air.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
If your dog&#;s breathing doesn&#;t improve quickly, or if it worsens, you should seek immediate veterinary attention. Difficulty breathing can be a symptom of many serious conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or a collapsed trachea, which is common in Shih Tzus.
What to Expect at the Vet
At the vet, they will likely perform a physical examination and may also do some diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or blood tests, to determine the cause of th
Shih Tzu Breathing Problems
The veterinary surgeon may perform:
• Pre-anesthetic complete blood count and biochemistry
• Blood gases – to check blood pH and CO2 concentration
• X-rays – The vet will also be looking for a narrowed trachea and any heart abnormalities
Treatment:
Non-surgical - In minor cases, some changes can be made to help a Shih Tzu breathe better. This includes limiting the dog’s activity during hot weather, trying to avoid over-excitement and encouraging different sleeping positions via canines beds and pillows. However, in most cases in which the obstruction is causing breathing distress that interferes with the dog’s quality of life, surgery is recommended. And it is important to note that this issue often worsens as a dog grows older; in time ligaments in the lynx may stretch, and often to the point of collapse.
Surgical - Surgical treatment for elongated soft palate involves shortening the palate, usually after a Shih Tzu turns one year old to avoid repeat procedures due to growth. Tonsil removal may also be necessary and is typically done alongside the palate surgery. Laser surgery, w
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