My senior Westie has a tumor and rapid breathing. Is it urgent?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | West Highland White Terrier | Female | unspayed | 9 lbs
Hello I have a westie with a mammory tumor not sure if cancerous, she is 13 nearly and her breathing is rapid and shallow, breathing through nose, she seen a vet on Friday who gave her a antibiotic injection and some painkillers and said come back in a week if no improvement but her breathing is really worrying me, any advice please, thankyou
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 23rd, 2019
In dogs, 50% of mammary tumors are malignant. I am concerned about her breathing as well, and it could be she is in a lot of pain. I would take her into a vet now to get checked out. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 25th, 2018
Poor Sofi! Without seeing her in person, I can only give you my best guess on what can be done for her, but first step is having her seen by a vet immediately. This tumor may be pressing on her trachea, causing breathing difficulties. It could be removing the tumor is the best treatment option, but depending on her health status, important structures the tumor is located near, and/or if the tumor is a malignant cancer that has spread, removal may not be able to be done or be a practical option. In that case, euthanasia may be the best option for her. Again, I can't say for certain, but I can say with certainly that breathing difficulties should always be investigated immediately by a vet. I would take her into a vet now. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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