Reverse sneezing is a sudden run of loud, snorting inspirations through the nose that usually lasts seconds and stops by itself. Owners often think their dog is choking or cannot breathe, so it is a common reason for a visit. For the NAVLE, the job is to recognise the benign pattern quickly and to know which findings mean something else is going on in the nose, nasopharynx or trachea.
Key facts
Reverse sneezing at a glance- Species: dog. Any age, either sex, neutered or intact. Cornell reports it more often in dogs under about 15 kg and in brachycephalic breeds; no population prevalence data exist.
- System: upper respiratory tract, specifically the nasopharynx.
- Also called paroxysmal respiration or inspiratory paroxysmal respiration.
- Cause: a reflex set off by irritation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Often no underlying cause is found.
- Classic picture: dog stands still, neck extended, elbows out, mouth closed, makes repeated loud snorting inspirations, then is normal again.
- Not zoonotic, not reportable. Prognosis for simple reverse sneezing is excellent.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 4 tables, 3 figures, 3 self-test questions and 7 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.