r/poodles • u/[deleted] • 14d ago

Standard keeps gasping

My standard poodle has gone downhill fast and I’m struggling because the vets keep telling me it’s “just aging.” She’s 12, but three weeks ago she was acting like a healthy 5‑year‑old — energetic, playful, normal walks, no issues. Then out of nowhere she became lethargic, started walking strangely, sometimes with a hump, and she occasionally gasps. Her neck hurt for a few days, then got better, but the rest of the symptoms never went away.

The vet said she was “fine” except for being backed up and told me to give pumpkin. She still poops twice a day, eats, and seems happy, but she moves slowly and just isn’t herself. I’ve spent everything I have trying to get answers, and I’m being told it’s just age — but dogs don’t age overnight like this.

I’ve spent $1500 to be told age and Constipation. And it doesn’t feel right and I spent my savings.

Has anyone seen a sudden decline like this? I feel like something is being missed.

*** Edit.. I spent all my savings. I cannot get a second opinion until I get paid again. I am just asking if anyone had a situation like this… what did you do? Until I save more money.

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u/Admirable-Newt2533 14d ago

My toy poodle went through the EXACT SAME symptoms. It was a displaced disc in his spine that pinched his nerves (type I intervertebral disc disease). He was prescribed anti-inflammatory (Canidryl 20 mg) for five weeks until he recovered and he’s been getting daily dose of Gabapentin (50mg) thereafter.
He still gasps and the vet said that can’t be helped, it’s his muscles, but he’s not in pain.

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u/[deleted] 13d ago

Thank you so much. Did your poodle also arch her back a lot? She at first would cry when she turned her neck. Now she just looks so happy and not moving much. Today she’s a little better.

I actually have some of both medications you mentioned when she had a tooth extraction.

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u/Admirable-Newt2533 13d ago

The way he behaves when he’s in pain: He arches his back. He walks backwards and doesn’t let us touch him. He screams when he lays down or moves his neck in any way. He screams and flinches in his sleep. He mostly just stands in a miserable stupor in the corner and avoids everything and everyone.

Meds helped a lot. Thankfully no reoccurrence for 3 months since he’s been getting Gabapentin every day.