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My senior dog's respiratory issues are worsening after treatment, why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 10 years and 9 months old | 55 lbs

My dog is 11 and has snowstorm lung. We went to the vet and was given prednisone 20mg and augmenting 400. It’s been 2 days. She got better the first day but now I’m seeing her labored breathing is more labored. I’m concerned we haven’t considered other reasons for this happening. Could E.coli or an allergic reaction to millipedes be a strong case? Maybe that can help the vet better treat her.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on December 17th, 2019

Hi and thanks for your request. Usually these two differentials you suggested are not common at all and treatment for those would include the medications already given anyway. Pictures of the x rays would be needed to give you more differentials in this case.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Your vet should also seriously consider secondary lung cancer at her age, ask him to send the xrays to a radiology specialist, they will be more likely to give him a list of possible diagnosis to work with.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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