However, there may be other issues that go along with this such as a soft palate or a collapsed larynx or trachea that are less obvious and typically require light, general anesthesia for diagnosis. Diagnostic tests are also necessary to determine the general health of a dog. In addition to obtaining a medical history and performing a general physical examination, other diagnostic tests may be necessary, including:
• Listening to the dog’s chest with a stethoscope, in order to help rule out other causes of respiratory difficulty.
• X-rays to check that the heart and lungs appear normal.
- Treatment is divided into medical management and surgery.
- If your Shih Tzu has only mild signs & does not have any other breathing related conditions, this may be able to be managed with non-surgical treatment. This includes:
• Weight loss - As with many health issues, losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight can help a great deal. While the Shih Tzu breed is not typically one to be overweight, it is more common with senior Shih Tzu and even just a loss of 1 lb. can help.
• Avoid stressful situations - Dogs that become stressed or over-excited will have more trouble breathing. Also, you’ll want to avoid the stress of exercising during hot, humid weather.
• The use of a harness – Though we always recommend this for all Shih Tzu to prevent issues, using a harness
any time the Shih Tzu is on leash is part of the treatment program.
Mild cases can turn severe, so carefully watching your Shih Tzu is very important.