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I have a 16 year old male Shihtzu. He is on 2.5 mg of ...

Sent to Pet Experts April 22, 2006 1:11 p.m.

I have a 16 year old male Shihtzu. He is on 2.5 mg of Enalapryl for an enlarged heart, and cyclosporine for dry eye. For the past week or so, he has been making a snorting sound(like a pig), and ultimately it results in him throwing up white foam, and sometimes his food. What could be causing this?

Optional Information:
Age: >12; Male; Breed: Shihtzu

Already Tried:
Babyfood, Benadryl

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

Answer
April 22, 2006 2:05 p.m. (54 minutes and 14 seconds later)

REPLIED

Hi andi,

This has been called 'reverse sneezing, which is far from a scientific term. It is not related to anything, like dry air, or allergies, or smells, that I am aware of. It 'just happens'. And the first time, it really gets the owners attention, right?

It has always impressed me, especially when my dogs do it, as an attempt to clear their nasal pharynx, to snort or snuffle out whatever is up there. The white foam is phlegm mixed with air.

Most dogs swallow when they have been successful. In your case, I suspect the phlegm gags him and he up-chucks in response. He may have an unusually large amount of it, I don't know. But there is nothing wrong with him, in this regard.

Anything put into the eye will find it's way into the nasal passages thru the tear duct. This may be having an affect. Hopefully it will abate presently.

I hope this gives at least you some relief.

__________________
Please check just one ACCEPT box. Feedback is nice, too. Medicine comes in doses of Science, Art, and Miracle, given as needed.

1 Other Expert Agrees with this!

Peter Bennett, DVM -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 182 Pet Accepts
20 years experience as a Small Animal veterinarian

Reply to Peter Bennett, DVM
Sent April 22, 2006 3:57 p.m. (1 hour and 52 minutes later)

Hi Dr. Bennett.
Thank you so much for your reply. I understand that this just "happens" with dogs, as it has happened before in the past, but usually just once or twice in one day, and then it's over. This has been happening over and over , several times a day, every day, for over a week. This does not seem normal. What do you think?

Andrea

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
April 22, 2006 4:28 p.m. (30 minutes and 52 seconds later)

REPLIED

How long has he been on the cyclosporine? Is it by injection? or how? Let me do some investigation

__________________
Please check just one ACCEPT box. Feedback is nice, too. Medicine comes in doses of Science, Art, and Miracle, given as needed.

Peter Bennett, DVM -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 182 Pet Accepts
20 years experience as a Small Animal veterinarian

Answer
April 22, 2006 6:52 p.m. (2 hours and 23 minutes later)

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Peter Bennett, DVM -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 182 Pet Accepts
20 years experience as a Small Animal veterinarian

Reply to Peter Bennett, DVM
Sent April 23, 2006 9:00 p.m. (1 day and 2 hours later)

I put it in his eyes twice a day. They are drops.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

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