could someone please give me there opinion, i am going to mention it when i next go to the vets. i have a dog who is 17 months and whenever we throw a ball for him which is his favorite game, after a few throws he seems absolutly shattered and his panting is excessive, i was told that with springers you could never ever tire them out i dont feel like this is the case with our dog. 

it depends on whether it is warm I never play games that can overheat my dogs during the summer months it is surprising how quickly heat stroke can affect them somedogs quicker than others. Springers will go on and on playing if you allow it is really upto you to know when enough is enough.

excessive panting can also be the cause of health problems if you are concerned then I would get him checked at the vets to be safe.

Is he worn out or is it excitement?  Our aussies go nuts over a ball and start panting althoughh they are healthy.

which breed? 

edited - sorry just seen which!  duh! 

no he seems really like he is knackered not excited, also i dont think its the heat cos it is freezing up here were i live at the min, its only after it has been thrown a few times as well, he lies down and pants really heavy, his brother can go for hours with a ball.

Is this your dog with the patella problem?  If so then he may be experiencing some pain!

yeah it is, i thought that but then i thought how could they be connecting, if he is in pain with his knee do you think that would make him pant more.

Most definitely; panting or hyperventilation is a common reaction to pain in humans as well as animals. I don't know if you've ever had a baby, but 'panting through the pain' is an essential tool for getting through labour pains in childbirth.

right i never thought of it in that kind of way. will have to mention it when he goes to see the specialist in a few week.s