Which breathing pattern indicates a restrictive issue in canines?

The breathing pattern that indicates a restrictive issue in canines is characterized by a rapid and shallow rate of respiration. This pattern often arises in response to conditions that limit the expansion of the lungs, such as pleural disease, pulmonary fibrosis, or chest wall abnormalities. In cases of restrictive lung disease, the dog may feel a sense of breathlessness or an inability to take a deep breath, leading to an increased respiratory rate while keeping the breaths shallow in depth.

Rapid and shallow breathing is a compensatory mechanism, as the dog attempts to increase oxygen intake despite the limitations on lung expansion. This contrasts with breathing patterns associated with other conditions. For instance, deep breathing typically indicates a demand for increased oxygen and an ability to fully expand the lungs, suggesting more of an obstructive issue. Meanwhile, slow and deep breathing or normal depth would not signal the presence of a restrictive problem, as they typically reflect a functioning respiratory system without urgency or distress.