Questions About Noisy Breathing

Jenn8

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum.  I adopted a 6 year old bull terrier named Marshall from a rescue group last September.  He is a real love bug.  

Since the very first day, I noticed loud, raspy breathing that sounded kind of like congestion.  I have done quite a bit of research and I understand that some dogs just snore and there isn't really much that can be done about it.  This seems worse than that though. Most of the time when he is laying down wide awake, he strains to breathe in, wheezes and makes other noises that sound like possibly an air blockage or something. Sitting up, no noise at all. 

I have taken him to the vet and then two different specialists. I showed them videos that I took on my cell phone and they all agree that his breathing is concerning.  The vet took x-rays which looked normal and suggested the possibility of allergies or just the shape of his head that might be causing a problem in his nasal passages,  

One specialist thinks he may have soft tissue in the pharynx that relaxes too much, causing an obstruction.  At the same time, we discovered he is hypothyroid, so they suggested getting him on medication for that and seeing it it made any difference..... which it hasn't. 

The other specialist called the problem "situational", meaning probably something having to do with the angle between Marshall's nostrils and nasal passages, which curves somewhat. In any case, he said that if I wanted to do more tests, a CT scan would be the next thing to do, but he wasn't very reassuring about fixing whatever they might find wrong.

So I decided to hold off and try some allergy medications and his breathing did improve a little, but then he started making a new noise when exhaling this time.  It sounds like something closes in his throat or nose before he is finished breathing out and seems really uncomfortable.

So I called another specialist and said I wanted to do whatever tests are necessary to figure this thing out. They are recommending a head/nasal CT and rhinoscopy with nasal biopsies and culture which is going to cost around $3000.  

My question to all of you is does this sound like a condition that bull terriers are prone to or is Marshall just the exception to the rule?  I have read about brachycephalic dogs, which I believe bull terriers are not in that group, but since the condition is so common with english bulldogs, wouldn't it seem possible that a bull terrier might have one of the associated conditions?

I am just trying to get a feel for what other bull terrier owners may have experienced with this, if anything.

Thanks much!

BulliesofNC

I wish I could provide advice on this subject but I have not had or personally witnessed another Bull Terrier with this ailment. What shocks me is the mere fact that you have had your Bullie seen by both Veterinarians and Specialist who so far have only been guessing as to what his ailment is and what's causing it. It would be one thing to dedicate to the finances for any health procedure that could solve the problem but if they are wanting you to pay upwards of $3000 to "figure out" what the issue is i find that to be a risky investment because there's a high probability that he was born with a genetic disorder which might not be able to be corrected. Normally an amount of $3000 would be an expensive procedure that actually was for correcting the problem NOT testing or diagnosing in order to find out what the problem is. There's got to be a more qualified Specialist you could find that has the knowledge and familiarity with the symptoms in which your Bullie is displaying that can better diagnosed in order to provide you with a direction and decision for further medical aid and treatment.

Jenn8

Thank you for responding.  I agree with you wholeheartedly and will admit that all three vets have suggested the possibility that the problem could be genetic. I am new to Las Vegas, so I don't have experience with any established vets, however I did look up the board certified specialists in this area and these are two of the only four listed.  This latest one being the same specialist that the rescue group uses.  

Your opinion has helped confirm my concern that the expensive testing may not be the best way to go in this case.  I think I should try other specialists to help diagnose Marshall's problem.

I am new to this breed, having spent the last 25 years adopting retired racing greyhounds. I must say these bullies are special and I am so glad I finally adopted one.  I have always thought they were utterly adorable dogs in looks alone, but they have the personality that matches and I just love this boy to pieces.

Thanks again.

 

BulliesofNC

I love all dogs but I must give you fair warning - Once you own a Bull Terrier you will be hooked on the breed for life.

philsergeant

Not to cause you to worry any more than you already are... (I know when we have Bullies to love most things regarding "my precious" are worrying) ... Have you had his lungs checked.... We once lost a Bullie, (albeit at 13) to lung disease.... I'd spend some money on checking the lungs long before I'd drop $3k on the snoring issue... Both my Bullies snore and make all sorts of puffing / wheezing when lying flat (mostly on their side)... Not saying that the noises are nothing, not at all.... just they are more common.