Why is my pug panting and breathing strangely after palate surgery?

Unfortunately brachycephalic dogs like pugs (flat nosed dogs) often have breathing problems due to the shape of their head. This can also cause congestive heart failure which aggravates the condition. I suggest you take Neffer to your vet to rule out a heart problem. Your vet will be able to assess why your pug has problems breathing and problems with exercise and will discuss improving air intake by surgical means (e.g. opening the nostrils further, or reducing the size of the soft palate). Panting may also be a sign of Cushing;s disease, which should also be ruled out. This can be done with a blood test.

Unfortunately pugs are extremely brachycephalic dogs and it is not rare that they cannot breathe properly and fall unconscious due to lack of oxygen. You will need to take your dog to a veterinarian for assessment and an exam. The extremely flat face and nose causes two problems: the opening of the nose is often obstructed and can be surgically enlarged to help with breathing. Also the soft palate is often way to big as there is no snout, and often obstructs the larynx, cutting off the air flow. This can be surgically adjusted. Both these conditions can also cause heart failure. Please take your dog to a veterinarian or veterinary surgeon for an exam soon.

While drainage is normal post-surgery, heavy breathing, discomfort, or excessive pain, especially while already on medications, are not. If Bailey is in severe distress or is turning blue or pale, or is panting heavily, it would be best to bring her into emergency care ASAP. If she seems stable, but is in discomfort or painful, contacting your vet to bring her in is also a good idea.

This is a common issues in brachycephalic dogs like pugs, bulldogs, and frenchies. Many of these breeds require surgery to help assist them to breathe normally so depending on your dogs breed. This may be a consideration. Otherwise I would encourage your dog to sleep on its stomach with its head elevated. Make sure she is not overweight either as this will make the condition worse.

This situation does present challenges. Certainly keeping her lean is best for her in the long run. Too much added fat just makes breathing more difficult. A picture of your dog was not included, so I am not sure what her nose and nostrils look like, but a surgical procedure can be done to make the opening of the nostrils wider if they are very constructed. This can improve their ability to breathe without having to open mouth breathe. If your vet has never mentioned it, or maybe does not do the procedure-many vets do not- you can ask them for a referral to a veterinary surgeon who does. The surgery is basically like a cosmetic surgery but the benefits can be great. Other things to do are to reduce the humidity in your home, use a light fan where she rests, don't walk her too far or during hot parts of the day. It's great that she has a mom who is so willing to help her.

I think that with any abnormal behavior you should call your vet for advice since they knew all that went on. I'm assuming he is taking some medications? The excessive panting could be from that. I think you should just check in with them to be on the safe side!

I agree that this is a pretty rapid respiratory rate for Daisy, particularly if she's resting while breathing this quickly. As you mentioned, it's very possible that this fast breathing is due to post-operative pain. However, if she's currently receiving pain medication after surgery, it's a bit less likely. Other causes of rapid breathing can include stress or anxiety, blood clots in the lungs, heart disease, pneumonia, among others. Regardless, it would be best to take Daisy to the vet urgently for evaluation. If the vet suspects pain as the cause, they will be able to prescribe additional pain medications. Otherwise, they will be able to perform any necessary diagnostic testing, which may include chest x-rays or blood clotting times to try to get to the bottom of this issue. I hope that everything goes well for Daisy!