Chow Chow Difficulty In Breathing

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Chow Chow Difficulty In Breathing

Chows have short muzzles.

Hearing abnormal breathing from your chow chow can be stressful. Perhaps it is a new problem or one you've noticed for a while but is getting worse. Although the breathing may be caused by factors that aren't serious, other causes can be life-threatening. Determining why your dog is breathing strangely is important. By observing your pet, you can collect information that will help your veterinarian diagnose the problem.

Breed

The chow is one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world--in their native China, people used chows as guard dogs, hunters, pets, food and clothing, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). The breed came to Britain with sailors and the London Zoo displayed a chow as a "Wild Dog of China." The Great Britain breed club began in 1895 and the AKC admitted the breed in 1906. The chow's blue-black tongue, lion-like ruff around the neck of the rough-coat version and wrinkles create a distinct look. The lesser-known smooth coat has shorter hair and no long ruff. Another feature--the broad, short muzzle--creates most of the common breathing issues.

Structure

Chows and other dogs with short muzzles often suffer from brachycephalic respiratory syndrome. This syndrome includes a variety of problems created by abnormalities in physical structure and functions due to the short muzzle. The muzzle causes breathing problems because the tissues are excessive for the shortened bones. The extra tissue can cause narrowing of the nostrils (stenotic nares) and may decrease airflow. The overly-long soft palate tissue, which separates the oral and nasal openings, hangs down the throat, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center's website. The soft palate can cause serious problems, according to Britain's Chow Chow Club. Brachycephalic syndrome also includes narrowed trachea (windpipe). The stress of labored breathing due to structural issues can cause the larynx (voice box) and trachea to weaken. Difficulty breathing can make your dog overheat, as it cannot pant effectively to cool off.

Medical

Heart disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, can cause breathing issues in dogs, according to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. When the heart does not pump effectively, fluids can collect in the lungs. Hypothyroidism is common in chows. According to Veterinarian Wendy C. Brooks, educational director for the VeterinaryPartner website, hypothyroidism is a suspected link to problems with laryngeal paralysis--a disorder in which the larynx does not open and close normally. This can prevent deep breathing. Foreign objects, throat swelling and congestion may also cause your dog to breathe abnormally.

Symptoms

Signs of a problem include labored or noisy breathing, snorting, excessive snoring, coughing, rasping, panting and change in voice. Oxygen deprivation causes cyanosis, or a bluish tint to the skin. In dogs, the gums, nail beds and tongue show the blue tint. The chow's blue-black tongue and gums make checking difficult. Severe breathing problems may cause your dog to faint.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will examine your dog for structural problems that may cause breathing issues. Blood tests, X-rays and other diagnostic evaluations may be required. Giving your veterinarian information about the history of breathing problems, whether they're ongoing or occasional---such as after exercise---and other medical conditions will assist her in determining the cause of your chow's breathing problems. Treatment depends on the cause. Surgery to correct narrow nasals and elongated soft palate are possible treatments. According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, some snorting and unusual breathing may be harmless for your pet.

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