Skylur

[DaveFisher]

Our 12, almost 13 year old Skylur has been making a sound like someone having dry heaves almost every morning the last few mornings. Sometimes she throws up a little clear, foamy liquid but not always. She also sometimes gets a little choked when eating her kibble and makes a noise like she is trying to clear her throat, especially in the morning.

Our vet examined her and when he pushed gently on her throat she made the same noise, just not as loud. He said he thinks her trachea may be collapsing and that is why she is having these problems. He did not indicate that it was life threatening but prescribed Buterphanol for 5 days.

Has anyone experienced this with any of your dogs or are you familiar with this medication?

 

[The Quahog]

Sometimes it can be hard to tell empty stomach vomiting from gagging up respiratory secretions first thing in the morning. That's tricky because if you are having stomach problems respiratory medicines won't help and vice-versa.

A helpful little trick is to check the pH of the 'vomit' with a urine test strip. If its from the stomach it will be strongly acid, if respiratory neutral. - Dr. Mac