Sneezing backwards
The reverse sneezing (also called "reverse cough", Eng. Reverse sneezing ) is an occasionally in dogs occurring phenomenon in which the animal with a stretched neck and splayed elbows paroxysmal gasping air through the nose sucks. The resulting noise is reminiscent of the pulling up of nasal secretions in humans. After such an attack lasting several seconds (rarely up to a few minutes), the animal appears healthy and happy again.
Occurrence
More often this is seen in young, small, and short-headed ( brachycephalic ) breeds of dogs. It usually occurs when the animals are in a boisterous mood, such as after eating, drinking, or romping around.
root cause
The cause of this disorder has not yet been clearly clarified. A soft palate that is a little too long may be the trigger, which gets caught on the epiglottis . Slight inflammations in the throat ( pharyngitis ) or the tonsils ( tonsillitis ), which are associated with swelling of the mucous membrane and thus constriction, or spasms of the throat muscles can be the cause.
treatment
The disorder usually has a frightening effect on the dog owner; similar to an asthma attack , the animal seems to be unable to breathe. But it is harmless for the dog and does not cause any general disturbances.
The attacks disappear when you trigger a swallowing reflex, for example by holding your nose briefly, gently massaging the larynx , tapping the front breast vigorously or giving a treat .
If the above-mentioned measures do not disappear, if the phenomenon occurs excessively, if there are further breathing problems or general well-being disorders, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
Differential diagnoses
Infections ( kennel cough ), allergic reactions , foreign bodies in the nasopharynx, heart diseases, tracheal collapse or inflamed tooth roots are further causes of rattling breathlessness attacks . These require veterinary treatment.
Furthermore, there may be a mite infestation with Pneumonyssoides caninum , which can be treated with selamectin under veterinary supervision .
literature
- M. Deinert: Sneezing backwards in dogs - a clinical symptom that is often misinterpreted? In: Veterinary practice small animals . 1, 2002, p. 79.
Web links
- Stephen Glass: Something about Collapsed Trachea and Reverse Sneezing on the Papillon Club of America website
