Expert: Jana Connell RVT, CVT - 10/7/2011

Question
QUESTION: For some reason, about a month ago, my dog started panting for no reason whatsoever at about 6PM. He is a Cavalier King charles Spaniel, about 2.5 years old. We had his neurological functions tested (he was flybiting A LOT) and it found he has high protein, which means seizure conditions, apparently. He was given medicine, which helps a ton. He started panting before taking the medicine, though. He had his heartbeat checked today, no signs of a heart murmur or anything. He had bloodwork done about 2 weeks ago (same time as the neurological testing)- all good. I can't figure it out. It's not hot- he hasn't been running or anything. The vet is stumped, and so am I.

Thanks.

ANSWER: As you know, I am not a vet and if your vet is stumped I am not sure I can help much.
All I know is this: many dogs that have high protein levels are really dealing with high ammonia levels, and that is what causes the seizures.

Dogs with seizure tendencies usually do pant alot, and some in some dogs, this is actually a type of seizure. Focal seizures, or petite mal seizures, can look like this.

If your vet isn't sure what is going on I would highly recommend a second opinion. Most vets won't mind that at all.
I do hope you find an answer soon.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer, but I don't think it's that. For one thing, it's not INTENSE panting, just breathing faster than normal (probably 120 BPM.) He also doesn't do any of the other things that are associated with those (twitching or anything.) He is also conscious the whole time, and responds if called, though he'll still pant, but he'll follow commands and stuff.

And we did get a second opinion- the guy we took him to for his testing (specialist) was stumped as well as our normal vet.

Answer
Well as I said, I am not a vet, and if two veterinarians cannot figure it out upon seeing the dog, then I would be stumped too. It just sounds like anxiety to me.

Focal seizures do not always include twitching or movement. That's why they are hard to diagnose. Some are as subtle as panting or just staring into space.

Dogs also pant when they are in pain. So that might be a road to investigate as well.

I hope he gets better soon.