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Every spring, for the last 4 years, I have had to take my dog to the vet due to a gagging, choking, certain-she-is-dying episode that lasts for about a week and is mostly aggravated by excitement or running but also occurs intermittently when she is just lying down and resting. After a thorough arm down the throat diagnosis followed by x-rays that reveal nothing she is put on antibiotics and poof the problem is gone until next spring. Note: she never turns blue or passes out but it is far more serious than an inverse sneeze as it is an all day event and can be easily recreated just by getting her to wag her tail. Regardless, she will continue to run and play, all the while gagging, as she is a tenascious little devil.
She is an 8 year old pit bull that used to run to the end of the lead after vermin until it snapped her entire body around at which, point she would get up and pull against it until it choked her - a sheer joy for me at the other end. After the second episode, on my veterinarian’s recommendation, she has been on a harness only but we (my vet and I) think that there may be permanent scar tissue in her throat aggravated in the spring by allergies or freshly chewed grass.
My vet says that she would recommend a surgeon that specializes in this sort of throat surgery but the fact that it only occurs once a year, same time every year, and only lasts for a week makes her think otherwise. She finds it odd that it should be such a sporadic occurrence rather than a consistent problem.
As surgery is a risk to older dogs and the problem may become more serious if untreated, should I consider seeking the advice of a specialist now before it becomes something bigger or do I just have a dog with a freak allergy attack?
I am fully aware that I need to discuss this matter further with my vet and I will do so on her follow up visit next week but I just want to know if anyone has had a similar issue, some advice or input.
Thanks so much,
-M
She is an 8 year old pit bull that used to run to the end of the lead after vermin until it snapped her entire body around at which, point she would get up and pull against it until it choked her - a sheer joy for me at the other end. After the second episode, on my veterinarian’s recommendation, she has been on a harness only but we (my vet and I) think that there may be permanent scar tissue in her throat aggravated in the spring by allergies or freshly chewed grass.
My vet says that she would recommend a surgeon that specializes in this sort of throat surgery but the fact that it only occurs once a year, same time every year, and only lasts for a week makes her think otherwise. She finds it odd that it should be such a sporadic occurrence rather than a consistent problem.
As surgery is a risk to older dogs and the problem may become more serious if untreated, should I consider seeking the advice of a specialist now before it becomes something bigger or do I just have a dog with a freak allergy attack?
I am fully aware that I need to discuss this matter further with my vet and I will do so on her follow up visit next week but I just want to know if anyone has had a similar issue, some advice or input.
Thanks so much,
-M