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My diabetic dog is breathing heavily and wheezing. What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | spayed | 12 years and 7 months old | 95 lbs

My diabetic golden retriever is breathing heavily, kind of wheezing. She is 95 lbs. and is to get 25 ml of insulin. She just ate her dog food and green beans. She also has a nerve pressing against her spine and had her steroid about 6.5 hours ago. I would normally give her insulin now. How can I help her? She also gets Tramadol, but none today. She hasn't had much water today and has a healthy appetite.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Christie Long, DVM

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 10th, 2018

25 ml is an incredibly large dose of insulin, and I’m assuming you mean 25 units. if she’s eating normally and she is prescribed to receive insulin now, you should give it at the prescribed dose. I’m not sure how the spinal problem was diagnosed but Tramadol May help with any pain associated with that, so again, if this is a prescription given by her doctor I would go ahead and give that medication. Panting can definitely be a sign of pain, so I would use pain medications that have been prescribed for her and see if she improves. You should also also ask your veterinarian about whether gabapentin might be a good pain medication for her, as it frequently helps with pain that is neurologic in origin. if she does not improve after receiving her medications I’d recommend seeking emergency care, as difficulty breathing may be the sign of a serious and new problem for her.
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