Question:
I have a basenji/terrier (we think) rescue mix. She is a healthy and happy dog. In the last month or so I have noticed her having breathing spasms. It's not like sneezes or coughing, it is spasms. She isn't tensing up like a seizure and is aware when they happen. She takes in short breaths and soemtimes a long deep one or two. It seems to be an involuntary reaction. I was wondering if this is something I should be concerned about, or if it just an anxiety thing (even though it happens when I am home). She just went to the vet for her annual check-up/vaccinations. I tried to explain this to the vet and he kinda brushed me off saying she was probably trying to clean her airway or hiccup. He also mentioned something about partial esophogus closure. Im a worried Momma and want to help her Any advice. Oh yeah, she's about 25 lbs.
Answer:
I would talk to another vet. If it happens once, it could be hiccups. If it is happening regularly it could easily be something worse.
Answer:
It could also be reverse sneezing, or allergies. I would agree with bradfran and see a different vet. If you have a vid recorder with playback try to tape it and take it to the vet so he can see what's happening. Here's some info on reverse sneezing:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_ReverseSneezing.html
Answer:
Hello,
We have two soft coated wheaten terriers. Periodically, not with any regularity, this type of what I term a gasping for breath occurs. Nothing in particular sets it off! Our Vet said, "Reverse Sneezing" It isn't a snort, nothing like a regular sneeze, and Breezy our youngest, always comes running to me when this occurs. As if to say, help me? For me the human, it is scary.
What I have found, is take them both out in the back yard, let them run around, and within minutes (if not seconds) the episode of "reverse sneezing" is over.
Hope this helps. Our Vet didn't seem overly concerned about it.
MJ