Expert: Have4Paws - 4/21/2009

Question
Last month I rescued a 5 month old male beagle.  In the last month he has adjusted well to us and obedience classes have really helped.  Last night he was lying on a sofa and i noticed he twitches.  He was drifting in and out of sleep but wasn't a sleep for sure.  I wouldn't call it a spasms because it only lasted a second but occurred several times. He also sneezes a fair bit and hiccups.  He has grown about 4 inches in length in the last month.  Are the twitches growth related or should I be concerned?

Answer
What you are describing sounds like normal part of growth. Puppies nerve endings are not completely developed when they are born and it takes some time for them to mature. As well dogs do dream and can be seen twitching and even running in their sleep (legs moving like they are running) I would say that if this contnues on a regular babsis and also occurs when he is awake then it should be checked out by a vet. Otherwise I wouldnt worry about it. As far as the sneezes I am pasting in some info about Reverse Sneeze Syndrome. Hiccups are common in puppies as well due to the same thing as the twitches, it has to do with immaturity in their body growth.


REVERSE SNEEZE SYNDROME
General Information
Reverse sneeze syndrome is characterized by a series of rapid, loud, forced inhalations through the nostrils, lasting anywhere from 10 seconds to 2 minutes. Attacks occur on a sporadic, unpredictable basis.
Dogs usually have the head extended forward and stand still during the episode. Affected dogs appear completely normal before and after the attack. There is no loss of consciousness or collapse, though sometimes the appearance of the dog is upsetting to owners. Many dogs have these attacks throughout their lives.
The exact cause of reverse sneezing is unknown, but it may be associated with sinusitis and other respiratory disorders.
Many believe affected dogs are consciously removing mucus form the nasal passages. In fact, many dogs swallow at the end of the attack. Whatever the cause, the condition is usually not serious.
If the condition appears suddenly in an older dog or if episodes become more severe or frequent, the nasal passages and throat should be examined.
Important points in treatment:
1. Treatment is not necessary when the episodes occur infrequently on a random basis.
2. Home treatments that have been reported to be successful include massaging the throat, blowing in the nose, rapidly and lightly compressing the chest.
3. Sometimes antihistamines will help with frequency or severity of the attacks. You may give your pet 25 mg of Benadryl 1-2 times daily as needed for this. The Benadryl may make your pet sleepy or, rarely, excitable.
Notify the Doctor if any of the following occur:
 The severity or frequency of your pet’s attacks changes.
 Your pet develops a nasal discharge or a cough.
 Your pet’s general health changes.

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.