What are the symptoms for heart fibrillation or problems in dogs?

Question

My 6 yr old dog went to the vet yesterday. She had problems breathing after a 10 min walk. There also seemed to be trembling/vibrating in her throat. It stopped by the time we got to the vet. Her xray showed a slightly enlarged heart and the blood test were normal. She was told to lose weight.

Today, she started to pace and kept laying down, seeming to be uncomfortable. While the breathing seemed normal, there was the vibration again on her throat. It lasted about 15 min. There is no coughing. Her lungs sounded good at the vet. She was given no medicine.

Could this be fibrillation or a neurological problems. Any info or websites would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

There is no way we could diagnose your dog for you.  The vet would need to do that.  They may have to do more than an xray to find out what is wrong.  If your dog is very  overweight and has an enlarged heart that in itself would cause the problems.

Personally, I would call the vet back tomorrow and tell him what happened today.  If he does not want to see her, get a second opinion

Answer 2

You need to ask your vet for a consult with a canine cardiologist.

  They need first to do a senior blood panel, but the cardiologist will fir your dog with a Holter monitor to measure her heart rate over a 24 period, and see what is happening.  They would also do an ECG during the exam.

  That is the only way you will truly know what is happening, and what the appropriate treatment would be.

Answer 3

Get the weight off her like the Vet said