Is Heavy Panting a Sign of Pain in a Dog With Thyroid Cancer?
Reader Question
My 15 year old border collie was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She has a tumor on the right side of her neck. She has been drinking a lot of water, which I am sure has something to do with her aging kidneys. But she is also panting heavily for long periods of time. We are in Florida, and it is extremely hot. She gets one walk a day, early in the morning when it is "somewhat" cooler. She spends the rest of the day in an air conditioned house, with fans going also.
Is the panting a sign that she is in pain? If not, how will I know if she is in pain, and if she is, is there anything I can give her?
Is the panting a sign that she is in pain? If not, how will I know if she is in pain, and if she is, is there anything I can give her?
Answer from Our Team
Panting can be caused by heat, pain, anxiety, fever, a tumor pressing on the windpipe, or spread to the lungs. Other signs of pain include restlessness, reluctance to lie down, hiding, a hunched posture and not eating.
Please don't give human pain medicines, which can be dangerous for dogs. Ask your vet about safe pain relief and whether a chest X-ray would help. Also ask whether her thyroid levels have been checked, since some thyroid tumors make excess hormone, which can cause panting and heavy drinking.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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