The American Beagler Forum

Our beagle displays odd breathing, but it's not consistent. He tends to hyperventilate when he gets excited, but that's not what I'm talking about.

At night, he will simply be lying down, and he sounds as if he is gasping for air. He snores quite loudly when he's asleep.

And yet...this does not happen all the time. Just intermittently. Our vet says he's healthy, but why does he do this and what causes it? Vet is of no use in answering these questions.

ELONGATED PALATE MAY BE THE CAUSE; BUT THIS WOULD HAVE TO BE A VET'S CALL. AN OPERATION IS AVAILABLE. BEST OF LUCK!

Thanks...I hadn't thought of that. Is this something they can grow into at age six? He was fine at five.

i don't know.

i got this from dog owners Home Veterinary Handbook by Giffin & Carlson

"In dogs with elongated soft palate, the palate overlaps the epiglotis to a consideraqble degree, partially obstructing the airway during breathing. This is manifested by snorting snoring stridor gurgling and gagging. The obstruction is worse during exercise. In time, stretched ligaments in the larynx leads to labored breathing and laryngeal collapse."

I would check with another vet if the one you are seeing cannot or will not answer your questions. again best of luck!

I have a 6 yr old male beagle that sounds like that...he snores very loud....snorts and when he is searching for the rabbit he sounds like a hog searching for truffles.....he has a short snout and a big block type head....i can live with the snorting and snoring..but it would be very hard to live without the hound....long live the "general"...MAY THE JUDGES NEVER ASK HIM TO TAKE THE REST OF THE DAY OFF....

Joe, you mean he needs a little more practice?

practice...yeah...i think he could use some..i know i need alot of it myself...thanks for the line .....lol.......this hound cracks me up...

hope all is well..

joe t