continuous gulping

Question
I have an 11 yr old golden retriever who has a problem with gulping and it isnt due to food. he can be asleep and I hear him, its like it has to much saliva and has to keep swallowing. when this happens he wants go outside and eat grass. my vet says it will take an ultrasound costing between $700 & $900 dollars. Do you have ideas?  

Answer
It's possible that there is something in his throat that is bothering him.  A blade of grass could even do it if it's lodged in his throat.  Another option could be to sedate him and use a scope to look down his throat and nose.  Even just sedating him so the vet can get a better look down in his throat might help.  Unfortunately those are probably your only options, other than maybe some radiographs.  Without being able to see what is going on inside, your vet isn't going to be able to diagnose the problem.

Amanda