A Dog’s Breathing Crises Raise Questions About When to Say Goodbye

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  Shelby, a 10-year-old lab-terrier mix, has had two emergency vet visits since July for breathing problems and a severe cough.

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  During the first visit, her tongue turned blue and she spent the night in a pressurized oxygen chamber.

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  In September, her oxygen level was low, and she received oxygen treatment for a few hours before going home.

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  Shelby has congestive heart failure, an enlarged heart and a heart murmur, and an emergency vet said her cough could indicate a collapsed trachea.

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  The account raises the question of when to say goodbye to a beloved dog, but does not state that a decision has been made.

Who

Shelby, a 10-year-old lab-terrier mix, and her owner.

What

Shelby has had two emergency visits for breathing problems and a severe cough, raising questions about when to say goodbye.

When

Since July, with another emergency visit in September; the years are not stated.

Where

At veterinary emergency services; the article also says Shelby lives in a large condo and neighborhood, but does not identify its location.

Why

Shelby has breathing problems and has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, an enlarged heart and a heart murmur.

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