Dog 'clearing' its throat: advice needed

It might be down to the intubation if they used it; depending on the surgery, that's often the method they use.

What’s the vet’s take on it?

My dog had an operation for a slipped disc in her neck a few years ago and now she’s clearing her throat.

Does anyone have any advice?

My dog had soft palate surgery when he was 10, but nothing's changed—he’s still hacking away and it’s getting worse and worse. It’s so stressful for us too because it happens 10 to 15 times a day and there’s nothing we can do.

The problem with those rasping noises, if they’re due to an elongated soft palate—which is very likely—is that as they get on in years, respiratory issues can really impact the dog's quality of life. The older they are, the more hesitant vets become about operating because of the general anaesthetic, as well as the dog's overall strength and life expectancy. That’s what my vet told me; at 11 years old, with a life expectancy of 13, it’s not really worth it... The main issue is she can't go for walks at all now, otherwise she goes into respiratory distress.

Ideally, you’d want an upper airway endoscopy done by a brachycephalic specialist or a specialist surgeon. I say this because the person who did the endoscopy for my dog wasn't a surgeon; while it served to diagnose the elongated soft palate and a slight laryngeal paralysis, I still had to go and see a specialist for an opinion, so it was an extra cost.

However, don't be afraid to get several quotes over the phone or by email (though you get a lot fewer replies that way). I had quotes ranging from about £130 (for two or three of them), to £290, and up to £375 just for the upper airway endoscopy—that's for the general anaesthetic and the exam. It’s quite a significant amount if you’re also planning on surgery afterwards... but I’m more than happy to drive 125 miles or so to find the right vet at the right price.

My dog often clears his throat, but since he’s always done it (he’s nearly 2 now), I’ve never really worried about it.

As long as your dog is fit and well, I don’t think there’s any need to worry. But you could always give your vet a ring for a "phone consultation" to get their opinion.