Why is my dog hacking and gagging but the vet says he's fine?

Question

Marty is an 11yr old, 79 lb, black lab. He loves frisbee and walks. He has no problems with eating or elimination. However, since May of this year, he has been making a horrible hacking/gagging sound. It sounds like he will get sick. He occasionally spits up a white film and rarely regurgitates food. He has been to the vet several times. They took X-rays and they said everything was fine. He also had a check up in Feb. where everything was fine. The vet has had him try 3 diff meds nothin. Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 11 years and 2 months old | 79 lbs

Makenzie Kurth, DVM · Accepted Answer

Aww Marty is so handsome!! So part of this equation is how often is this happening? Is it just once or twice a week? In that case, I’m in the camp of “continue to watch and wait”. If this is daily or multiple times a day some further investigation is needed. You need to discuss the following with your vet but some possible next steps include: Recheck X-rays if it has been 3 months or more since his last set. If not done before, also include views of the neck as sometimes a mass in the throat or neck can cause this. Testing for locally occurring fungal diseases if applicable and/or trial treatment with an antifungal medication. Trial treatment with a short course of steroids. CT scan if available in your area. Sedated/anesthetized laryngeal exam. Best wishes to you and Marty!

Why is my dog hacking and gagging but the vet says he's fine?

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