reverse sneezing

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have a one year old Shih Tzu and she has had the occasional bought of what seems to be dry heaving.  She just had her annual physical at the vet's last week and she is healthy.  I forgot to ask the vet about dry heaving as it does not happen often.  Should I be concerned or is this normal?  She appears to be completely normal in all other aspects including her diet, physical activity, etc.

Thank you,

J.

ANSWER:
Hi Joy,

You didn't say if your dog's dry heaving happens first thing in the morning. Many dogs get a sort of acid reflux from having an empty stomach, and get into a habit of vomiting before they have their breakfast. This can be helped by giving your dog an extra dog biscuit or a small snack before you go to bed at night. Some dogs require an antacid, talk to your vet to see if it would be a good idea for your dog.

Is it possible you're dog is "reverse sneezing", and not dry heaving?  A reverse sneeze comes on suddenly,the dog will stand still with his elbows spread apart, extend his head, and he'll make a loud snorting sound, which might make you think he has something caught in his throat. The dog will appear to be unable to breathe. Reverse sneezing quite common in the Shih Tzu breed and other small breeds.

If this sounds like what's going on, don't worry. A reverse sneeze may look disturbing, many people fear that their dog is not breathing during these episodes, but it is not a harmful condition and there are no ill effects. Reverse sneezing attacks are generally quite brief and not life threatening. Between episodes, the dog acts normal. An episode can be stopped if the dog is stimulated to swallow by either massaging the throat or briefly pinching off the nasal openings.

If you don't think your dog is not reverse sneezing, and is truly dry heaving, take note if it's followed or preceded by coughing, as that can be a sign of a respiratory illness. If your dog has a good appetite and energy level, and doesn't act ill or depressed after a dry heaving event, and if the episodes are infrequent, it is probably safe just to ignore it.

The most common causes of occasional vomiting are probably the inflammatory bowel diseases and functional obstructions of the pylorus (the muscular valve between the stomach and the intestines). Intestinal parasites, ulcers, liver and kidney disease and other diseases can lead to occasional vomiting. If the dry heaving continues, you should talk to your vet to see if a stool test or blood work is needed.

Best of luck,
Patti



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Patti,

My husband and I agree that your description of reverse sneezing matches what we have observed in our Shih Tzu.  We also saw some videos on Youtube of other Shih Tzus reverse sneezing and recognized reverse sneezing as what our Shih Tzu has experienced.

Can you please give me some more information on reverse sneezing, such as why is this happening to her, is it a genetic problem or an illness and is there a treatment or a cure for it?  

I will try your suggestion of massaging her throat and pinching off the nasal openings to help her if it happens again.

Thank you,

J.

Answer

Hi Joy,

I'm glad your dog is reverse sneezing rather than dry heaving! There are no health risks to reverse sneezing, and it isn't a symptom of any disorder. There isn't a cure, but that's because it isn't considered to be a problem.

http://www.vetinfo.com/reverse-sneezing-dogs.html

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/reverse-sneezing-in-dogs/page1.aspx

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2335

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2096&aid=1112

Regards,
Patti