In which animal condition is labored breathing commonly observed?

Labored breathing, also known as dyspnea, is typically associated with conditions that directly or indirectly affect the respiratory system. Pneumonia, which is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, can significantly impair breathing due to increased fluid and mucus, leading to difficulty in gas exchange. Animals suffering from pneumonia may exhibit symptoms such as coughing, lethargy, and fever, alongside the hallmark sign of labored breathing.

Conditions like hypomagnesemia and gastric torsion may result in various symptoms, but they do not primarily cause respiratory distress. Hypomagnesemia involves low magnesium levels, which can affect muscular function, sometimes leading to problems like muscle spasms, but it is not a direct cause of respiratory issues. Gastric torsion (or bloat) primarily affects the gastrointestinal system and can lead to severe abdominal discomfort, potentially putting pressure on the diaphragm and restricting breathing, yet it is not characterized by labored breathing as a primary symptom.

Enzootic calcinosis involves the deposition of calcium in soft tissues and is more related to metabolic disturbances than to respiratory issues. While it can have systemic effects, labored breathing is not a common presentation associated with this condition. Therefore, pneumonia is the most