6 week old german shepherd pup with rapid breathing and gurguling sounds

by jerry g
(cmch. nj)

i just noticed a week ago that my 6 week old black male shepherds neck and throat area seems to be pulsating in and out abnormally also there is a gurgling noise in the stomach too.

he seems to be in no pain he plays with other litter-mates and i haven't noticed any appetite loss he seems to be just a little lighter in weight then the other pups but not much. his stool seems fine and no complications in passing stool is noticed...

i'm really concerned in why his neck area seems to be like his heart is trying to push out of his chest and the noise in his stomach is so audible and rumbling as such... is my puppy ok? please help me i don't have the money for vet expenses and x-rays etc....... is there something i can do to help remedy this problem?







Hi Jerry
I'm sorry to hear about the worries you have with your pup, but I'm afraid I don't think there's anything you can do about these questions without getting the help of a veterinarian.

Your pup needs to have his puppy shots given regularly and on time, so if he hasn't had his first set yet I'd strongly advise setting up an appointment for them. At that time your vet will be able to examine him and you should mention your concerns so that he can evaluate them.

It sounds as though he may have a problem with his esophagus, or it could be a hernia of some kind - I'm not a vet and I'm afraid there's no way of telling without a 'hands on' exam.

If there is something wrong, the earlier it is diagnosed the easier it should be to treat and obviously that will keep costs down. Some vets will allow you to set up a payment plan if there is a big bill involved, also your local humane society should have a list of 'low cost vet clinics' who take care of shots and spay/neuter for a reduced price. You may want to check these out in your area.

Please don't skimp on health care for this pup, if you truly can't afford the shots, deworming, routine vet care and to deal with any health issues that show up, you are putting your pup at risk of illness, even death. Good vet care is a necessity, not a luxury I'm afraid.

I really hope this turns out to be nothing to worry about but get him checked out asap to be safe. I wish you the very best of luck with your puppy.