Odd heaving and ruttly sound?

[Slave2Magic]

My JRT bitch was doing an odd heaving thing this morning. I thought she was choking! She stopped after about 30 seconds but sounds really ruttly in her throat. First thought was kennel cough but our other dog is fine and it seems to come and go. Otherwise bright and eating. I am taking her to the vets later today but any ideas? I read somewhere about reverse sneezing?

 

[mollichop]

Both of mine do something which sounds like this from time to time. I think it's just where a bit of spittle gets caught in their throat As you say fine in every other way and only lasts a few seconds.

I have never taken them to the vet over it but would be interested to hear what yours says about it

 

[Hedwards]

Millie does this - Ive been told it is reverse sneezing - its horrible to see, but i think she's just got a bit of spit/snot (for want of better words) stuck - i find stroking her throat seems to help clear it quickly - certainly doesnt slow her down!

 

[Slave2Magic]

Well the reverse sneezing was confirmed by the vet. He said it is due to a long soft palate which sometimes goes into spasm. It looks worse than it is and after checking her heart and lungs were fine he said not to worry about it. It still looks horrible for her! He also suggested using a harness rather than a collar to stop any pressure on her throat.

 

[mollichop]

Hmm that's interesting, thanks for the update.

It is distressing to watch but usually passes quickly after soothing them I find and they don't seem phased by it

 

[Angelbones]

I'm very glad your little dog is ok I've never heard of reverse sneezing.

Interesting timing as my JRT went into the vets today for what sounds like the same / similar thing. He's been gagging / retching / heaving for a couple of weeks, mainly at night. I wondered if he had a problem when his muscles relaxed and saliva accumulated. Or that he had something stuck in his oesophagus as he has a tendency to chew things...

He has had all sorts of thing stuck down him today and they found some puss and a lump on the side of his windpipe. They've taken a swab and biopsy and I should hear something from them in a week or so. In the meantime he's on antibios. Oh yes, and the bill so far is just over £400 Definitely one of those days where I'm glad I pay out for insurance!

 

[blackcob]

One of mine reverse sneezes quite a lot - he has an allergy to house dust mite and had recurrent horrible respiratory infections before we worked out what was causing it. Even though it's managed now he still reverse sneezes a fair bit but it doesn't seem to distress him and he's never done it while working so I'm not too worried.