Aging Bulldog Symptoms or Something else????

Submitted by valentine021477 on January 17, 2012 - 6:27pm

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Hi Everyone:

I'm new to the site. I have a bulldog who is going to be 11 in April. He has generally been a healthy boy up until this past year. Last January 2011 he caught pnemonia and had to be hospitalized for a few days in an oxygen cage. He recovered from it pretty well, but I did notice his breathing had changed since then. It's been a bit raspier than usual. This past Christmas Eve, he was struggling to breath and coughing up white foam. We rushed him to the vet who diagonised him with heart failure. They gave him some oxygen and sent us home on hearts meds (although they initially suggested we put him down) and sent us to a specialist the following week. Turns out he has a perfectly healthy heart for an 11-year olf bulldog and the cardioligist said that he actually had bronchitis which I was told could be recurring since he had caught pnemonia the previous year. They put him on antibiotics and we took him back this past Friday for a follow-up. The x-rays showed his lungs had improved a lot. We however have another issue. They did put him on some medication to help open up his lungs because any time he exerts himself including having new vistors come into the house, he would start hacking and coughing up white foam and have difficulty breathing. It would take him a couple of minutes to compose himself. I imagine it's something like someone who has asthma goes through. Well the new meds seem to be helping when he exerts himself, however, now after he eats or could just be sitting or laying he gets up and starts hacking the white foam and trying to breath. Is this part of the aging process of a bulldog? Could it be something the vets are missing? I know I'm very lucky to have a close to 11 year old bulldog, but I don't want to see him suffer. Any clues or insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Nancy and Brutus

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Nancy

Symptoms from pneumonia and bronchitis...

Submitted by Micki Jablonski on January 17, 2012 - 9:02pm.

It's not part of the aging process, but probably a side effect from the pneumonia and bronchitis. However, as we age it seems to take longer and is more difficult to recover from illness and injuries, so unfortunately it's also the same with our dogs. I don't know but ask the vet if perhaps guaifenisen tablets (plain robitussin) might be helpful -- also keeping a vaporizor on for him. Good luck!

Thank you for your response.

Submitted by valentine021477 on January 19, 2012 - 1:19pm.

Thank you for your response. Brutus ended up passing away yesterday morning. I can't believe he's gone. He's been by my side for the past 10 years. He was our loyal companion and my protector and it was a wonderful 10 years, I know he is not longer suffering and that's really the only thing that gives me peace right now.

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Nancy

Nancy, I am very sorry

Submitted by Monica-Maude-Gus on January 20, 2012 - 5:24pm.

Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Brutus. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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Monica, Maude and Gus

Sorry to hear Brutus passed away

Submitted by animal005 on January 20, 2012 - 6:54pm.

I believe that Brutus will still be at your side protecting you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sarah

I am SO sorry, Nancy!! huge (( HUGS )) to you!!! Brutus was

Submitted by ArchimedesMommy on January 20, 2012 - 10:31pm.

such a cutie....love that photo of him!!! Again, so sorry.....!!! (( HUGS ))

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Our sweet Archimedes "MEATY" Bones (or as we say...boneSHHH!) ---born 11/28/08---- our first bullllyyyy!!!

And SOPHIE Bubbles *Rapscallion* (LOL!) ---born 4/3/11----our second bulllllyyyy!!!!

Nancy, the Rainbow Bridge Poem, for Brutus

Submitted by RARett on January 21, 2012 - 8:19am.

I found this poem at a local rescues' site, and I posted it the last few months, in honor of those who recently crossed.

I really dont like posting it, because it means we have lost another friend, but I feel the need too, for the families.

I hope the following poem helps you and your family, if only for a moment.

Rest easy sweet puppy - we shall meet again one day soon.

Gizmo

The Rainbow Bridge Poem.

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

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Last steps taken May 26, 2014 -- Been rolling along ever since . . . .

I am very sorry

Submitted by rottigirl on January 20, 2012 - 12:19am.

My deepest condolences on your loss. :(

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Olivia

My deepest condolences on the loss of your boy.

Submitted by AmyandSophia on January 20, 2012 - 6:27pm.

I'm so sorry. Many thoughts and prayers for you coming.

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Amy and Sophia

Nancy, I am so sorry to read about Brutus

Submitted by LynnKing on January 20, 2012 - 9:07pm.

Sounds similar to what we went through with our BamBam.

I'm sorry for your heartbreak.

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Lynn King CPDT-KA

I'm very sorry for your loss. RIP Brutus

Submitted by Janis and Sadie... on January 20, 2012 - 9:29pm.

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I'm so sorry...

Submitted by Céline and Ange... on January 22, 2012 - 4:30pm.

I just read your message after seeing the rainbow bridge. I'm so sorry for your loss... My old girl is going on 12 soon, and I literally treasure every day with her because I know the day is coming.

Hugs to you and your family.