My puppy has sudden short heavy panting. Is it a panic attack?

Ketoconazole is not known to cause excessive panting directly, but panting can be seen in general in dogs with Cushing's. Unless you are seeing other signs of significant illness, I would continue to monitor her for the time being. Look for any sort of vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice (yellowing), bleeding, or generalized increased lethargy. If any of these begin to occur, consider taking her to a hospital for treatment and diagnostics. Hope this is helpful.

The doctor wants to test Jazzy for a disease called Cushings Disease which can cause these symptoms. Cushings is not an easy disease to diagnose. This diagnosis usually requires a few blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound. This disease is treatable so you should pursue the tests as you can. Cushings disease is generally slowly progressive so you likely have time to work through things as you can.

Cushing’s syndrome (if that is indeed what she has), is rarely an emergency. Many dogs have had the disorder for months (or years) prior to diagnosis. However, diabetes can have very similar signs and that is more of a concern. If she has lost weight, or if she is not eating then I would recommend an emergency veterinarian to make sure she is not diabetic and starting to Decompensate. I also notice that she is not spayed. Pyometra is a uterine infection that usually starts with increased water intake, But they usually progress to not feeling well soon. Some of these dogs also have vaginal discharge and typically occurs 6 weeks or so after last heat cycle. If she is eating well and seem fine otherwise then waiting until Monday seems appropriate to me. If possible try to take a urine sample with you to your veterinarian appointment. Best of luck and I hope she does well. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

The random yelping isn't really typical for Cushing's Disease. These symptoms are usually weight gain or pot-bellied appearance, thinning hair, increased hunger, increased thirst, increased urination, and occasionally increased respiratory rate/panting and restlessness. I would recommend that you have Miley examined by a vet. The symptoms you describe sound like pain, which could be coming from multiple places, such as joints, the back, inside the abdomen, or chest, or could be caused by neurologic or other musculoskeletal issues. If the vet is also concerned about Cushing's Disease, then bloodwork can be obtained and tests scheduled to look into this possibility.

Hi there, and good question about panting. Panting can be a sign of discomfort, anxiety, and occasionally a sign of an endocrine disorder called Cushing’s syndrome. Along with panting dogs with Cushings are usually drinking a lot of water, urinating frequently, and have an increased appetite. I would encourage you to have them evaluated by your veterinarian soon. They may be showing more signs of discomfort then is realized and they may benefit from medication and or supplements for arthritis. Best of luck and I hope they improve soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Onyx. I would recommend bloodwork to look for any underlying disease that can cause panting. Cushing's disease for example, is an adrenal gland disorder that will cause the dog to pant excessively. In middle age to older patients panting can also be the result of canine cognitive dysfunction. This is a disorder somewhat similar to Alzheimer's disease in people. There is no specific test for this, it is determined by your veterinarian asking you questions. Finally, anxiety can result in panting. There are anti-anxiety medications available help if this is the case. I hope this information helps!

Excessive panting can be a sign of overheating, but also a sign of pain, or an endocrine disease such as Cushing's disease, especially in an old dog like yours, Arthritis is high on the list, as at that age your dog will definitely have arthritic changes that can be highly painful. Cushing;s disease is also on the list, especially if your dog developed a pot belly, drinks and urinates more than usual, pants heavily even when it is not hot, and maybe loses some hair. Both of these conditions need to be checked out by your veterinarian, in order to ensure a good quality of life for your dog. Arthritis pain can be treated well with a medication called Carprofen and/or other pain medications. Cushings symptoms can be treated with special medication that reduces the production of cortisone. A blood test can rule out Cushing's disease. I suggest you schedule an exam with your vet.