Rapid onset anxiety, excessive panting, decreased appetite, lethargy, *UPDATE*

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

UPDATE - We just back from the cardiologist. The dr found a mildly leaky valve, but not enough to cause the kind of symptoms Connor is having. He wants us to see an internist because he thinks, based on symptoms, Connor may have an adrenal tumor. I have a call in to our regular vet and am planning on calling the internist at the Specialty Center in the morning to set up an appointment and sonogram.  BTW, Connor has lost 3 lbs since last Monday.

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Thank you all for your input, support and kindness. I know each and everyone on DK knows how special our dogs are...they work their way into your heart so quickly. It's so easy to love these babies. And no matter how hard you try not to worry, the thought of not having them in your life is something you just can't bear to think about.

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My heart doodle Connor (F1 goldendoodle) is the sweetest, dearest dog that ever existed. He has a great temperament and for most of his life has been my constant companion. At 13 weeks he was a puppy mill rescue and has had a couple of issues from that, but nothing major or that has had any significant effect on his life. Earlier this year, he started seeming anxious. Not his regular self. Nothing awful, but I noticed more anxiety. I had a full blood panel done and thyroid testing done. My regular vet said everything is fine and blew me off. I went to a vet who has an excellent rep as a diagnostician. He did more blood work and said everything was fine. Maybe I needed a pack re-order. I gave Connor 3 mgs of melatonin when anxieties were running high and got him a Thundershirt. A couple of months ago I took him to work with me - he has always loved this and knows the people there since puppyhood. He did fine. Two week later, he came back to work with me. Same people, same place, easy day. He was so stressed, he paced, panted and whined for almost 2 hours. He was so upset, he had diarrhea, wouldn't play with toys or accept treats. He panted until his tongue started looking purplish. Thinking maybe he was having a bad day, I took him back two weeks later. It only took him an hour and a half to calm down enough to quit whining and pacing. About 10 days ago, I came home and Connor was close to hysterical -- breathing so hard, I was afraid he was going to stroke out. He's all but quit playing except for small spurts of play with our other two dogs -- then lays down and pants and pants. This is not separation anxiety. He's upset when I'm not here, he's upset when we go someplace together. Last week he started to eat less than usual...just picking at his food. Again, panting, panting, panting inside with the a/c on, and he seems really bummed. I took him to the vet yesterday. They did a chest x-ray and a full blood panel. His chest x-ray doesn't show an enlarged heart - it was "normal." Blood work had "no significant change" from last spring.  At my vet's suggestion, we are taking him to a specialty hospital to see a cardiologist on Monday. He will have an echocardiogram while we are there. If that shows nothing, we may be referred to an internist.

Has anyone had anything like this happen with their doodle?

Thanks for reading this long post. I am worried to death about my Connor Bear.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thank you for the update. I hope you get some answers soon and Connor starts feeling better.

[Christine & Camus]

Best of luck at the cardiologist tomorrow.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

How is Conner doing? Were you able to see the internist yet or do you have an appointment scheduled? I've been thinking about you guys a lot and hope you can get some answers soon.

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

I called the internist yesterday to set up an appt. They told me I would have to leave him there all day in order to have an ultrasound (sonogram). Connor is from a puppy mill who then lived at Philly SPCA for a few weeks.. All he would need is to be stuck in a stainless steel cage for hours in a room with a bunch of other scared dogs. Seriously, I am truly afraid he might stroke out. With us there at the cardiologist, his heart rate got into the 260s. I did not set up the appt. I talked with our regular vets about the situation. They both agreed he did not to be left in a stainless cage for a day.  Then I thought of a friend of my daughter's who worked in triage at the Vet Emergency Clinic that is attached to a specialty vet's group. Found out she had recently changed jobs and works at the same Specialty Center where Connor had his echo cardiogram and where the internist is. She talked to the internists about the situation with Connor. They said we may have to wait for a while, but we could wait with him until he had to be sedated to have the sonogram done. They said after the procedure, he would be put in the stainless cage for a short time until he woke up and they were sure all was stable. So, I'm going to call them back tomorrow and see what they have to say about an appt.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I am so sorry you are having to deal with this on top of everything else. I know exactly how you feel. I hope you are able to schedule the sonogram so that you can be with him and he doesn't have to bethere longer than necessary.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Thanks for the update.  I am glad you are going to be able to keep him company.  I'm sure it is frightening being left alone.  We are all hoping he is better quickly!!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm glad to hear they are willing to let you be there with Conner. Poor guy he must just be terrified.  Can they give him a mild sedative during his waiting period to help calm him?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Deb, I've been off DK for a while. How is Conner doing? Did his issues resolve? Please update...