Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 5/9/2005

Question
My 11-yr. old yorkie/peek-a-poo male is very healthy and up to date on all of his shots and exams. (No one ever believes he is actually 11 !) However, recently he has started to make this high-pitched cough or gagging noise. He will go to a corner as if he is going to vomit, but he never does. He now does this a few times a day. He has no problems breathing, swallowing, eating, drinking or barking. What could this be?

Answer
If this is like a snort, he may be having a reverse sneeze.  There may be a bad tooth leaking pus or a sinus draining mucus causing the choking. If it is more like a honking sound, then it may be a collapsing trachea, which is common in small breeds like Yorkies.  Your vet will need to look deep in the throat and may need to do a chest X-ray to look at the trachea.