Rottweiler with elongated palate in the throat

by Lina
(Australia)

hi there

Just a quick question. Is it true that Rottweilers can suffer with elongated palate in the throat. My 12 Months old Rottweiler (Gunther) has been doing this reverse sneezing mainly at late afternoon/night. It is quite frightening to see and hear. I usually rub his throat and he comes to.

Also can this be passed on from the bloodline or do they just develop it.

And finally can vets do anything about it?







Hi Lina
Elongated palates, or other palate problems are most often found in brachycephalic breeds (ie those with shortened muzzles such as bulldogs, pugs, boxers etc.), but a defect like this can show up in any breed.

Most of the time this sort of problem is genetic in nature and has been passed down from one, or both, parents. In Rotties it's relatively rare, and could be something that is unique to a pup and not be hereditary, rather just a quirk of nature.

Reverse sneezing could possibly signal a palate problem, but it could be other things too, and the only way to find out is to have your vet examine your pup and to discuss your concerns. A hands-on professional evaluation is the only way to find out for sure what's causing these sneezing bouts.

As your pup doesn't seem to have any eating/drinking issues, if there is a palate problem at all it is likely a minor one. There is surgical options available for correcting even severe palate abnormalities, so in your pups' case I'm sure that if a problem is found then your vet will be able to treat it.

Your first step is to get your little guy looked at, then you'll know what you're dealing with. I wish you lots of luck with your puppy, he's adorable :)