[Sabema]

Cassie,

You are correct, we know our pets best and sometimes it takes a new approach. I went to several specialists for YEARS trying to figure out what caused the gulping episodes and most of them had never even seen the symptoms before. They all said it was Kennel Cough, which I knew to be 100% incorrect. That resulted in countless cycles of antibiotics that he didn’t need to be taking before I said enough. Our issues were food related the whole time.

This forum was a godsend. Vet’s (or Dr.’s) are not all knowing, all of the time.

[Sabema]

Hi Cassie,

I’ve had the same good results with my Tucker. At the onset of gulping I give him 1 Benadryl and 1 Pepcid AC – this is the only combination that drastically reduces the duration and intensity of the episode. This combo was also ok’d by our long term vet.

Some years ago, based on info from this board, I switch Tucker to Hills Prescription Z/D food. Our gulping episodes went from 1-2 times per month to 1-2 time every 6-8 months.

[Sabema]

Hi Susan, thank you so much for your advice! I already feel so much better after reading all of the posts. It’s amazing how much a shared experience can help when you’re stressed out 🙂

I’ve already started researching alternatives to what he currently eating. I’m actually excited to have a concrete starting point instead of just guessing and making it up as I go along, which has been the case.

I was planning on having an endoscope done during our next appointment – now I’m adding biopsies to the list. (And requesting the stronger antiacid.) I’ll post updates from our appointment.

Thanks again!!

[Sabema]

I can’t tell you how helpful this topic thread has been. My Tucker has been dealing with ‘the gulps’ for almost 4 years now.

At first the vet though it was a heart issue so he was extensively tested. (He never has a really bad episode while we’re actually at the vet’s office.) All results came back normal. Kennel Cough has been given as a diagnosis so many times I’ve lost count. Multiple X-rays, ultra-sounds, barium tests, scopes all with no real results or answers.

His episodes usually come once every 3 months, always in the evening. I’ve found that giving him a Benadryl and Pepcid immediately when I notice the symptoms begin can help. Also, I burp him after every meal and constantly when he’s having a really panicked episode where he’ll look for ANYTHING to consume.

He’s currently in day 4 of a longer than normal episode and we’re both exhausted. I can’t believe so many people experience this with their dogs and so few vets have ever heard of it. It can be really disheartening, it’s so scary to experience (for both of us). We have another appointment with a specialist in two weeks – I’m taking this thread with me since it has so much good information. Sincerely, thank you so much for everyone who has posted. I’m really at my wits-end and desperately looking for some answers.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 3 months ago by Sabema.

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