Question:
I have a 2 year old West Highland White Terrier bitch, who for the past 2 days has been what i would describe as reverse sneezing, she is snorting inwardly which seems to panic her at the time, it can last for 2 or 3 snorts or as many as 10-15 at a time, she has been in excellent health up until now. there is no evidence of mucus, and the snort sounds very dry.
Can anyone tell me what is wrong with her?

Answer:
My dog does this often. What I do is put my fingers firmly on her throat and press - that seems to stop the spasms. You can also try covering her nostrils for a second or two.


But if your dog has never done this before, you might want to get him checked out.

Answer:
I had a westie cross and he did the same sort of thing

He unfortunately had asthma and thats how it began with this funny inhaled type sneezing/coughing spasm

If it's just an allergy, maybe think back towards anything new added to your home or what you use on your floors and carpets for cleaning. It could just be allergy related.

If it's asthma or u think it may be asthma then get her to a vet for sure.


Luba

Answer:
thanks for the replies, as it happens she is seemingly on the mend, the snorting is all but gone, i fear it might have been a reaction to the huge amount of hairspray being used by my wife in the mornings, maybe it had caused some kind of irritation in her nasal lining.
thanks again.

Answer:
Well thats great news!!

Get natural hair sprays non aerosol, they work great!!

Answer:
This sounds like epiglottal entrapment, and can show up at any time. I see it usually in overweight dogs, however lean dogs also can be troubled. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that will close over the trachea while swallowing. The esophagous lies above the trachea and if this flap of tissue were not automatically engaged by a neurologic reflex to close over the trachea, then food/water/saliva/mucous/etc. would enter the lungs with dire
consequences.

If there is excessive soft tissue (elongated soft palate, skin
folds, fat, etc.) then the epiglottis can be caught in the closed position, consequently the dog has difficulty getting adequate breath. Panic ensues further adding to oxygen deficit, and fainting/blacking-out may occur.

The condition is not considered lethal but does impact life quality. In severe cases surgery is an option, however if the dog is overweight, then dieting may be all that is needed. Have your veterinarian evaluate her and make recommendations based on the severity of her condition.

Dr. Van Lienden

Dr. Raymond Van Lienden DVM
The Animal Clinic of Clifton
12702 Chapel Road, Clifton
Virginia, U.S.A. 20124
703-802-0490

Answer: