The O-So Dramatic Reverse Sneeze

I often have owners bring their dog in for what turns out to be reverse sneezing. I have owners describe it in all different ways, some describe it as choking or gagging, others describe episodes of the dog being unable to breath.  I do a pretty good re-enactment  of a reverse sneeze...  I am sure this is looks quite ridiculous and am soooo glad there are no mirrors in our rooms.  I am not including a video of myself and the reverse sneeze but have found some good videos on YouTube. 

The most common cause of reverse sneezing is an irritation of the soft palate(top, back part of the mouth) and the throat that results in a spasm.  Allergies are often to blame for this irritation.  Usually if the allergies are treated then the reverse sneezing seems to get better, your veterinarian can help you with treatment choices.  Other causes include:  mites, physical trauma, perfumes, foreign bodies, tumors and viruses. 

During the sneezing it sometimes helps if you will rub the throat or cover the nose to make the dog swallow.  I think it helps stop the spasm and clear out any allergen from the throat.  Reverse sneezing doesn't usually worry me, unless it continues to persist.  If it continues or worsens, a trip to the veterinarian is definitely warranted to make sure the nose and nasal passages are normal.

Videos:
Good Audio, not such a good video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdPUX8mnFE4&feature=related

Very Classic Reverse Sneeze:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HXcMLokADc&feature=related

My Story

Ebby

Well, I guess to get the ball rolling, I should tell you about myself.  I went to vet school at the beautiful Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma.  I have been practicing veterinary medicine in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex since graduation.  My boyfriend and I have a menagerie of pets that are constantly into something. 

We have 2 dogs:  My sweet girl Ebby who is my 11-year old Cockapoo.(Don't tell her she's eleven, she thinks she's a puppy...)  Ebby is probably the best dog in the whole world!  Never sick and minds better than most people's children.  Then there is June a 1-year old Labrador.  We got June as a puppy and soon found out she had "special needs".  To make a long story short June has a liver problem that requires daily medication and special food.  June in turns feels that this makes her special and she therefore can do whatever she wants whenever she wants!   

Jade

We also have 3 cats:  All the cats are unique and will require a brief description each.  Jade is my long haired tabby.  She is a cats-cat, which means for all you non-cat people, that she only wants petted when it's her idea and rarely shows her face except to demand food.  Next is Cedar, he is my orange tabby.  He is my cat-dog, this means he is unsure if he is a cat or a dog.  Cedar is constantly into or doing something.  He once took down a whole Christmas tree in a matter of seconds.  Lastly is Gracie, she is my boyfriends cat.  She is, a very petite, short haired tabby.  This cat pretty much hates my guts, and being a veterinarian(who pets usually love), it kinda hurts my feelings!  But I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinions...

I hope to pass on stories of interesting cases, general pet wellness, updates on my personal animals and maybe even some funny things that happen in my life through this blog.  So stay tuned in for my next installment.