Survey research on reverse sneezing in 779 dogs in Southeast of Spain: Prevalence and possible related factors

Abstract

Reverse sneezing (RS) is considered an innate reflex that may occur in normal dogs in response to a stimulus in the upper airways but currently, the prevalence is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of RS in dogs in Southeast Spain and to determine the possible influence of selected demographic and environmental variables. This study was based on a questionnaire answered by 779 owned dogs randomly selected in two months. The total prevalence of dogs suffering RS was 52.9% (412/779). A statistically significant predisposition depending on sex and sexual condition (neutered females), the size and weight of the animal (toy dogs with <5 kg and small dogs of 5 to 14 kg), the breed (mainly Yorkshire, Chihuahua, Bichon, and Shit-tzu), on age (>10 years old) was found. Dogs that live in an urban habitat without other pets in the same house had also significantly more predisposition. Dogs with these profiles tend also to have a higher frequency of RS episodes (more than one episode daily) and more acute presentations (last 15 days). Reverse sneezing is an important reflex that could be present in more than half of the canine population as happened in our study. Its predisposition varies depending on sex, sexual condition, size, breed, age, habitat, and cohabitation with other pets. Further attention is warranted regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of RS.