mattever

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Jun 6, 2016
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Tankersley
I have a 3 yr old male bully. After about a year, he occasionally threw up after eating (often inhaling his food, not chewing it). I started feeding him very small amounts at a time and usually wetting the food. That helped. But he also throws up if he gets worked up and runs around a lot. He's a snorter and snorer. His breeder and my vet recommended palate surgery, which I have yet to do.

Another thing that I have noticed - and the breeder thinks that it's connected to the palate - is that his breathing is often wet and phlegm-y sounding. He coughs a lot and is always clearing his throat. I just read a comment on here about squirting lemon juice into the back of his mouth, which I will try. So I'm wondering if the phlegm is more related to allergies or the palate...or perhaps it's both. He doesn't have bad skin allergies, only occasional hot spots and I give him zyrtec during peak seasons. I'm thinking about switching him to a hypoallergenic food.

If anyone has advice, I'd love to hear it. Thanks!

Matt
 

Frith

New member
Mar 15, 2016
291
11
ME
Country
USA
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Frith
I read a few things online about slowing down eating. One person said they fed on a cafeteria tray, this spread the kibble around and made the dog eat more slowly. Similar idea, but kinda gross, the person just threw the food on the floor. The last idea that made sense was a tennis ball in the food. Petco and other stores now sell feeding balls, which are the same thing. Apparently the ball gets in the way and slows the feeding down.

As far as palate surgery, we also were recommended to have it done, but have to clear up the pneumonia first. It was explained to us that you need a really skilled vet. It is like plastic surgery in that too little or too much taken off is bad. So, make sure you get a vet familiar with the procedure. Good luck, and keep us posted.
 
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mattever

New member
Jun 6, 2016
3
0
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USA
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Tankersley
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Thanks for the information, Anna. Yes, my vet in Austin said the same thing regarding the palate surgery. There's a specialist in Houston who does it all the time. He will do the procedure on Tank.
 

2BullyMama

I'm not OCD....now who moved my bulldog?
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Jul 28, 2011
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Gilbertsville, PA
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USA
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Chelios (Frenchie), Nitschke (2004-2011) Banks (2005-2014) and Lambeau (2014-2024)
Welcome to EBN.... yes, I agree it sounds like the palate is causing some issues, allergies can also add to the problem. keep us posted after you see the specialist.... thinking if it is Houston, you are going to Brittmoore? Many Houston members use that vet and have great experience with them.

i you do the lemon juice, squirt to the side of the mouth not right in the throat... also, what food are you feeding brand and protein?
 
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mattever

New member
Jun 6, 2016
3
0
Country
USA
Bulldog(s) Names
Tankersley
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Thanks for the response. Yes, it is Brittmoore. It's good to hear that they are well known for this and have a lot of experience with bulldogs. I do keep lemon juice on hand and it definitely helps. I feed him Nulo, which is a grain-free food made here in Austin. I may need to look at moving to a hypoallergenic food.
 

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