Hi ... I'm new to the forum and new to having a small breed dog. I lost my 16 year old black Labrador, Sugar, last Tuesday. I was already pre-approved at our local shelter. I stopped Tuesday afternoon and an adorable 5 year old Llasa Apso female named Maggie May had just come up for adoption. I have her registration papers and all of her vet records from the age of 6 weeks. She was an owner release.

My question ... last night as she was snuggling with me on my bed, she started to breath hard (from what I read about small breeds, I think this might be reverse sneezing). I put my finger down her throat and she stopped. Again this morning, she started and I put my finger down her throat again and she stopped again. This scared me as I just went through so much illness trauma with Sugar.

Can anyone advise me if this is what it was? From what I've read, reverse sneezing isn't anything to worry about. I was thinking when it happened that she had something caught in her throat which I knew I would dislodge by sticking my finger down her throat.

Maggie May is very sweet and has bonded quickly with me; I don't want anything to happen to her. I tried to call my vet this morning (he checked her yesterday including Rabies and Bordatella shots - she's up-to-date on distemper) and he's out of town for the holiday weekend.

Thanks, so much, for anyone's input.

[Corky/Max]

Originally Posted by Kimshana

Hi ... I'm new to the forum and new to having a small breed dog. I lost my 16 year old black Labrador, Sugar, last Tuesday. I was already pre-approved at our local shelter. I stopped Tuesday afternoon and an adorable 5 year old Llasa Apso female named Maggie May had just come up for adoption. I have her registration papers and all of her vet records from the age of 6 weeks. She was an owner release.

My question ... last night as she was snuggling with me on my bed, she started to breath hard (from what I read about small breeds, I think this might be reverse sneezing). I put my finger down her throat and she stopped. Again this morning, she started and I put my finger down her throat again and she stopped again. This scared me as I just went through so much illness trauma with Sugar.

Can anyone advise me if this is what it was? From what I've read, reverse sneezing isn't anything to worry about. I was thinking when it happened that she had something caught in her throat which I knew I would dislodge by sticking my finger down her throat.

Maggie May is very sweet and has bonded quickly with me; I don't want anything to happen to her. I tried to call my vet this morning (he checked her yesterday including Rabies and Bordatella shots - she's up-to-date on distemper) and he's out of town for the holiday weekend.

Thanks, so much, for anyone's input.

Hi, Welcome to the forum! Sorry to hear of your loss-Sugar---He/she must of been a very healthy dog to live so long--You must of taken good care of him! If this is reverse sneezing--It shouldn't be a big concern---one of my dogs does this once in a while and yes I know it is kind of scarey to watch. I hate to worry you more but better to be aware of this--You said Maggie May just had her Rabies shot and the Bordatella shot yesterday?? First off I don't think your vet should have given them at the same time--too much stress on her immune system and also going to a new home at the same time--more stress on the immune system. Shots are very hard on our dogs to start with!!
I just hope she is not having a reaction --esp. the d__n rabies shot--and I'll bet this was her 2nd rabies shot--maybe 3rd. If they are going to have an immediate reaction--it is usually the 2nd shot that does it and this can be a big emergency!!----This kind of reaction would act like an allergic reaction and you would have to rush to the vet immediately---It doesn't seem to be that kind of a reaction as I would think by now it would of happened--how many hrs. ago did she have the shots? But this is not to say that she could have some kind of reaction to the shots---could be reacting to them as long as 6 mons or more. I would put rabies vaccination/adverse reactions or something on that order in your browser, you could also find (in blue lettering)
web addresses to click on in some of the posts in this forum mainly under dog health and nutrition (I know I have posted an address or 2 before but can't tell you off hand what they are!) I am not an expert but I know a lot about these damn shots and what they can do. Like I said I hate to make you worry more but better to be aware of these things as it is important to know and get to the vet in an emergency situation. And I wouldn't hesitate if things get worse to take her to a dif. vet esp. if your vet is out of town.
I hope it is just reverse sneezing and nothing more!! Let us know that she is all right or we (I will) will worry about her. By the way I love your names--Sugar and Maggie May

Hi ... thanks for your response. I have read about a possible reaction to vaccinations. This was her 3rd Rabies shot. I have her complete vet records and she's always had multiple shots at the same time. I don't think it is a reaction from the shots as she hasn't done anything more. The more I read about reverse sneezing the more I think this is it. Shots were given about 8 am on Friday morning.

Sugar was a female who I adopted 10 years ago when I lost my previous black Lab, Schatz, at the age of 6 to a truck fire. Sugar was found the day of the fire so I truly believe Schatz set up Sugar. And since Maggie May came up for adoption the day Sugar died, I believe Sugar set up Maggie May for me.

By the way, Sugar was named because she was so sweet. Of course, Schatz, in German means sweetheart. Maggie May was already named ... part of her registered name but it really fits her.

Deb

[Kingsbridge Cav]

I agree with Corky/Max:
Sounds like reverse sneezing. I have had reverse sneezers for many years and it is tough to see for the first few times. i have since gotten used to it and it doesn't bother me to see it now. You will get used to it, just don't panic.
I have one dog who does it more than any other, and he has asthma along with it. The reverse sneezing is a way for a dog to clear his sinus tract. It can happen with those who have allergies more often than others. This brings me to the possible reaction to shots. It may be a reaction and is worth looking into. If you continue to not be able to reach your vet, you may try the rescue group that you got your Maggie May from and see if the previous owner has any advise for you. It's a stretch that you might get advise this way, but the rescue group may volunteer to relay messages. I'm not sure what they do for allergies to shots, but we have treated other allergies with benedryl and steroids. I would not do this without vet instructions, and this is only if you are dealing with allergies.
The reverse sneezing does not necessarily mean you are dealing with allergies, but it is something to keep in mind.
Good luck with Maggie May, and congratulations on rescuing an older dog!

Hi ... thanks for another posting which is pretty reassuring. My black Lab had skin allergies and took up to 6 benedryl a day some times so I know about using them. I have talked to her previous owner twice since I got her on Tuesday. I have her phone number and can call her any time. Maggie May has been fine since the very short episode this morning. The more I read about reverse sneezing the more I'm pretty certain that is what happened. I adopted Sugar (the lab I lost) when she was 6. I find it incredible that I have all of her vet records, her registration papers and details concerning the first 5 yearas of her life. I truly believe Maggie May and I were meant to be together. Again, thanks so much for your advice, counsel and good wishes. Deb

[Corky/Max]

Originally Posted by Kimshana

Hi ... thanks for your response. I have read about a possible reaction to vaccinations. This was her 3rd Rabies shot. I have her complete vet records and she's always had multiple shots at the same time. I don't think it is a reaction from the shots as she hasn't done anything more. The more I read about reverse sneezing the more I think this is it. Shots were given about 8 am on Friday morning.

the day Sugar died, I believe SugarSugar was a female who I adopted 10 years ago when I lost my previous black Lab, Schatz, at the age of 6 to a truck fire. Sugar was found the day of the fire so I truly believe Schatz set up Sugar. And since Maggie May came up for adoption set up Maggie May for me. Hey, that is really great, there does seem to be something going on with your dogs setting one another up--kind of makes a person believe in "fate" or something! (I'm not explaining this very well) BUT it makes me smile anyway. And about the mention of allergies---This is what it says in one of my dog books: The Lhasa Apso is prone to all types of allergies. (unquote) This was listed in the chapter called Breed-Specific Health Problems and according to this book it looks like this breed has a short list compared to many other breeds. But I would keep the allergy "proness in mind and do all you can to resist this from becoming true in her case----like excellent nutrition for one thing and "boning up" Lol, sorry about the pun here, couldn't resist!---boning up all the knowledge on this subject and becoming well informed. You don't want to have to put her on medications because of allergies if you can help it----some (most) are dangerous to their health and could end up killing the dog (liver and kidney damage) Aren't I just a ray of sunshine--My nature is to be cautious--good old Taurus trait I'm afraid! Glad to hear she is doing okay now and sounds like you are a good mommy too! Iguess I'm not sure what I am doing here on posting this reply---just got a message when I tried to post this--saying message was too short and to add at least 10 characters so guess I have done that now so will see if this accepted now

By the way, Sugar was named because she was so sweet. Of course, Schatz, in German means sweetheart. Maggie May was already named ... part of her registered name but it really fits her.

Deb

Still not accepting ----I tried to insert my message in the middle of yours--must be the problem--I hope! I don't want to start all over again!

Thanks, again, for your input. I had a friend over today that had a Lhasa at one time who did the reverse sneezing. Maggie May kindly did it for her who confirmed it is reverse sneezing.

I went to a local pet store yesterday as I wanted to have a black collar on Maggie ... not the pink one she came with. A young gal who waited on me said she was an animal communicator. I've heard of these before but been somewhat skeptical. I had never met this gal. I told her about losing Sugar and believing Sugar had set me up with Maggie. She told me Sugar loved me very much and knew I was a great mom and that, yes, she had arranged for me to have Maggie with me. I then asked if Sugar was with Schatz and my dad and brother (who had died last August of cancer ... my last close relative). She asked me if my brother's name was Dick (which it was) and said, yes, Sugar was with them surrounded by love and attention. I started to cry. I went back to getting a different collar. She then said Sugar didn't like the pink collar either ... and that, in fact, she hadn't liked my pink peptobismol walls of my apartment much. That really freaked me out as I have Victorian decor and my walls are a pale pink called pink chill.

So ... I truly believe Sugar was communicating through this gal and that, yes, she did arrange Maggie May and I to be together. Truly amazing experience. I cried all the way home but felt really good.

And Maggie May is continuing to open up and is amazing me.

Again, thanks so much, everyone.

Deb

[Corky/Max]

Originally Posted by Kimshana

Thanks, again, for your input. I had a friend over today that had a Lhasa at one time who did the reverse sneezing. Maggie May kindly did it for her who confirmed it is reverse sneezing.

I went to a local pet store yesterday as I wanted to have a black collar on Maggie ... not the pink one she came with. A young gal who waited on me said she was an animal communicator. I've heard of these before but been somewhat skeptical. I had never met this gal. I told her about losing Sugar and believing Sugar had set me up with Maggie. She told me Sugar loved me very much and knew I was a great mom and that, yes, she had arranged for me to have Maggie with me. I then asked if Sugar was with Schatz and my dad and brother (who had died last August of cancer ... my last close relative). She asked me if my brother's name was Dick (which it was) and said, yes, Sugar was with them surrounded by love and attention. I started to cry. I went back to getting a different collar. She then said Sugar didn't like the pink collar either ... and that, in fact, she hadn't liked my pink peptobismol walls of my apartment much. That really freaked me out as I have Victorian decor and my walls are a pale pink called pink chill.

So ... I truly believe Sugar was communicating through this gal and that, yes, she did arrange Maggie May and I to be together. Truly amazing experience. I cried all the way home but felt really good.

And Maggie May is continuing to open up and is amazing me.

Again, thanks so much, everyone.

Deb

This whole "thing" is amazing to me! It sure looks like you have at least 3 souls looking out for you---prob. more but these 3 you are more aware of. Have you ever heard of or read the book: "What the Animals Tell Me" by Sonya Fitzpatrick (The Pet Psychic) I have this book and I'm sure you would really enjoy reading it. It was 1st copyrighted in 1997 and then again in March of '03--whether since then again I don't know but you could try and have your library find it for you or even check out Ebay ---They sell used books really cheap too--some as low as a couple dollars. Also think Amazon.com. does same thing. Also thinking that you might be able to communicate with your dogs pretty easily being as they are so attuned to you--even your Maggie May!! And in her book there is a
chapter on how to try this. This book would be interesting to a lot of you dog lovers in this forum! There are a lot of answers to some questions that some of you may have--example of what I mean--the dog tells her what is wrong with some things--flea info for one which I am going to quote to the posts going on recently about fleas and there is just a lot of good things--too many for me to go into here! Some more info on how to find this book---A Berkley Book, published by The Berkley Publishing Group--A division of Penguin Putman Inc. 375 Hudson St. New York, NY 10014 (of course all this info was printed 3/03!) Website: www.penguinputman.com. Also she is/was on some program on Animal Planet on tv---I don't get this channel so can't tell you if she is still on there or not. Was just thinking how you said Maggie May bonded so fast and easily---as if she already knew she was coming to you and seems to me she may have (or Sugar) "arranged"for your friend to come over and confirm about the reverse sneezing and then Maggie "did it on que"---a lot of coincidents here, don't you think! Hey! Would love to see some pics of all these "wonder dogs" if you have some and when you have time!! I have 2 dogs--pics can be found in my album on my profile page.

Hope you keep posting about all your experiences you have with your Maggie,
I'm beginning to feel like I know her from all the "chatter" I have "thrown at you!" :-D

Hi again ... had a great night with Maggie May sleeping on my pillow all night. She's just such a snuggle/love bug, I can't imagine my life without her. It truly is amazing how quickly we've bonded. I, too, think that Sugar really smoothed over my transition with Maggie May.

I will check out the book you mentioned as it sounds very interesting.

I'm not too good at setting up a profile but I did manage to load a picture of Sugar that is 4 years old so you can see what she looked like. Can't seem to be able to add any more at the moment. I don't have any pictures of Maggie yet but I'm sure I will very soon.

Maggie May wouldn't even come out of hiding on Tuesday afternoon when I brought her home unless I basically brought her out. Now she follows me from room to room and is now sleeping on my bed as I type this e-mail (my computer desk is about 2 feet away). She loves to come curl next to me with part of her touching me. Her expressions are so easy to read ... when she's asking permission, wondering if it's OK or telling me she's not certain about something.

I haven't taken so many walks that I can remember as I have the past few days. Maggie loves to go for walks and seems to want to go for a walk to do her "jobs". I certainly hope I can convince her to go outside quickly when the snow flies (it gets pretty cold and nasty in Wisconsin in the winter). In the meantime, this 59 year old lady (almost 60 ... June 25th) will probably start getting in shape.<GGG>

I'm so glad I found this forum. Pinching the nostrils does work when she starts reverse sneezing and Maggie doesn't seem to mind that I do it all. I feel as if I can do anything with her as she knows and trusts me completely already. Again, simply amazing.

Deb

Hi everyone ... just thought I'd give an update on Maggie May now that I've had her 4 weeks yesterday. She's positively amazing ... very happy, proud and well adjusted. As her confidence has risen, her reserve sneezing has stopped. I don't know if there's a collalation with both but certainly is interesting. I love this little girl who has a home for life with me.

Deb