Hi List, You most know me by my blind dog (the original PRA puppy) and just for being here silently for years. I have a problem, and need some help.
My (non blind) old guy is 11.9 years old. He has been huffing and puffing on his daily walks for about 2 months. He also has been drinking water in volumes which I thought was one of two things. Diabetes or Congestive Heart Failure. Not a usual case of having the two symptoms, so I was stumped. My trusted vet says it's neither of these so we did an exam on him which I was reluctant at his age. She put him down lightly and felt his lower palate. It's very hard so seems he's not getting enough air to cool himself upon exertion. He does exhibit the symptoms of heat exhaustion during these episodes, and alcohol baths or cold water brings him back to normal. Blood Glucose is normal. 1) Anyone had this syndrome? (my vet ways it's common, but unknown ) 2) Should I shave him? I live in the Redwoods, and protect all my dogs from the sun. (we have little sun here in the forest) Shaving would give me some extra space to saturate him with water or alcohol in a crisis. We alcoholed him down at the vets last week as it was hot being out of the woods. (abnormal hot day) 3) Back to shaving, is that a good idea for cooling? We never let our dogs go for, nor are they use to, being in the sun. Always sheade here in the woods. I know about the cooling pads, and have them. Any info, ideas or advise is appreciated Lary and Whitney, Miss PRA Berner 1996 Baker, Thought I was blind, but fooled ya! Aspen, The old hot guy, locked in a garage for a year then moved to California... Still kickin stong! <my parents both lived to be over 12!> Pescadero, California
