My senior Basset hound is lethargic, shaking, and won't eat. Urgent?

Question

My 13yo Bassett hound all sudden became lethargic with body shakes and shallow breaths. She won't eat now. She was fine and playful this morning. I want to wait til tomorrow for a vet visit. Pet's info: Dog | Basset Hound | Female | spayed | 13 years and 3 months old | 50 lbs

Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

Poor Misty, I understand this must be very concerning for you! I know you want to wait until tomorrow, and that could be absolutely fine and she may simply be taking a bit of an infection or general upset. However, with basset hounds and any sort of laboured breathing I always worry about a condition in their stomach called bloat or torsion, also referred to as GD or GDV. Unfortunately bassets are predisposed to this horrible condition and it is a medical emergency. I really hope this is not what is going on with Misty, but if it is she needs immediate treatment. You could watch her and see if she starts to settle, but if she is deteriorating​, becoming very lethargic, struggling to breathe or her belly is increasing in size I would go to the vet asap.

My senior Basset hound is lethargic, shaking, and won't eat. Urgent?

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