Re: Reverse Breathing In Intensely Cold Weather

In Reply to: Reverse Breathing In Intensely Cold Weather
Category:   Medical
Posted by:  Bram Levinson
Posted on:  January 28, 2003 at 08:45:31

: Hello all :)
: I have a 3 1/2 year old Jack named Sally who has exhibited the "reverse breathing" periodically throughout her life. We live in Montreal where the weather has gotten downright nasty, with tempertaures reaching almost -40 degrees Celcius. Sally came out for her walk last night and immediately started to violently "reverse breathe" and actually vomited a little. I brought her back in and monitored her all night. I took her out again this morning after feeding her and her brother Oliver, and she started up again once we got outside to the point where I had to pick her up and carry her the rest of the walk. Does anybody have any insight to offer as to making the walking experience a little less traumatic for us all? We live in a 2nd floor apartment with no garage, so I don't have an alternative to the outdoors for the walk...please advise, and thanks in advance.

Response:

Dear Bram,

I recommend that you take Sally to the vet as soon as possible to find out why she cannot breathe normally. Granted, extreme cold can make inhaling/exhaling air difficult but given Sally's history, I would not assume that the weather is THE reason for her problem.

Sally definitely has a problem, Bram. The sooner you find out what it is, the sooner Sally will be able to comfortably go for a walk with Oliver...regardless of the temperature. :-)