The American Beagler Forum

First off, great board, glad I found it.

I have a 5 year old bitch and she does this very strange coughing thing, like when we humans take in a breath through our nose and try to clear our throat like when we have a cold. You know that sound? She will do this mostly at night, probably 85-90% of the time its in bed and right after she wakes up for some reason. Sometimes during the day, but hardly ever. Here is where the vet is stumped. She snores AWEFUL and I don't know if this is normal or contributing to the problem but I'm getting worried that one day down the road one of these spells might be very detrimental to her health. Id like to nail the problem down and get meds if need be. I appreciate any info I can get. Thanks, Duane

The puppy I had here last summer exhibited a similar problem. I think what is happening is the soft palate is slightly oversized. When the dog relaxes or gets in a certain position, the soft palate obstructs the airway causing the noise you hear. The specialist I saw said the only way to confirm was very expensive scoping and surgery to make the soft palate smaller. Does she make the noise when she tips her head back to look up? While asleep, the dog is very relaxed and that is why it is worse at night. There are no meds to help only the knif, in my opinion. What is her breeding?

Carolyn

I dont know what her lines are. We got her from some people that had like 10 dogs and were abusing them. We just wanted to get her out of there and even though the people said she had papers and what not, we never tried to get them. We were happy to just get her.

I should have added, she might do this for a few seconds, sometimes it lasts for a half hour off and on. Sometimes it will be every day for a week straight, sometimes she may go a week or two without doing it. This is also another problem the vet doesnt understand: Why she may or may not do it, and why sometimes so long and other times only a second.

I really apprecaite that info though, Ill ask the vet about it. Any other info is appreciated. Duane

This is called reverse sneezing (snorking as I call it) Its nothing to worry about and isn't a condition a vet needs to see since they'll just tell you the dog is fine and charge you an office visit. Lots of beagles do it.

Here is a site with a little more info on it.

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/D ... ezing.html