I know Charlie is very old as far as Goldies go (16 1/2), but wonder if any of you have come across these symptoms. Before I explain them, he has been checked by the vet who just puts it down to old age, and of course nothing happens whilst at the vets. His heart is healthy and there are no fluid-like sounds on his chest. He is currently on vivitonin (100mg twice daily), but no other medication. He can no longer go for walks, although the mind is willing the body isn't. He still eats well and ambles about the garden.

So, the strange symptoms are a really loud gurgling sound after drinking, it sort of sounds like water going down a pughole, and he often makes the noises at other times, sometimes when resting, sometimes whilst moving about. It also sounds as if he is really hungry, mad tummy noises. All these noises are often accompanied by a retching cough, like he is trying to be sick, but he doesn't usually throw up. It is getting to the stage where he wakes me up at night with all the noise (he sleeps in my bedroom with the rest of the gang).

Any ideas?

Karen

we had an old boy rough Collie lived until he was fifteen and half ..made all kinds of wierd and wonderful noises we wouldnt put him through testing for it and only visited the vet if seriously worried ...I expected him to be this way at his age wouldnt let him suffer as we adored him and so did my beardie girls but also let him enjoy the time he had left with us, basically let him eat what he wanted and go and do whatever he wanted ..he finally left us for rainbow Bridge when his back legs went and he couldnt control his toileting which upset him dreadfully .

If the vet wasnt overly concerned I would just let him be.

I've got no intention of putting him through tests and he's happy in himself. I know it is really down to old age, just wondered if there was anything I could do, or give him, to alleviate the symptoms, something natural preferably.

Charlie is a fantastic age for a GR :-)

I meant to add in my post I also think he is fab such a great age for any breed ..obviously you are a doing everything right for him ...dont worry.

The first thing that comes to mind is a problem with the sphyncter at the top of his stomach , but what are you going to do at his age anyway ? Hopefully the rest of his life will be peaceful and he will have a quick and painless end . Just what i would wish for all animals and people !

My girl started this at the age of 15 after eating.  Was worried took her to the vets and he couldn't hear anything. Think it's just something that happens when they get to a certain age.

Having nearly lost him a few years ago when he suffered a stroke followed by an emergency spleen removal 3 months later, I am just grateful he is still with me, gurgling or not!

I just thought I'd update you all and hope others will find this useful.

For the past week we've had no night-time gurgling at all, I'm sleeping, and more importantly Charlie is obviously more contented! By accident I think I've found a remedy. The vet recommended trying him on Benylin, which had little effect.

For a couple of weeks one of the other dogs has been bringing up bile early morning, so I've gone back to giving them a biscuit at bedtime. This seems to have sorted Charlie out as well, so for the forseeable future he will be getting bedtime biccies!

Pedlee, when we all get old, all our parts slow up. the blood doesn't get to the parts to stimulate them.
The mucles in his throat, probly don't send all the fluid down to his tummy. A little probly goes on to his chest. So he coughs it up. In an old person, you can ask them to slip slowly. So this doesn't happen but, a dog will just drink. I wouldn't put him through tests either. He sound like a healthly old gentlemen. Just try putting a little water in his bowl at a time. It he coughs a good old pat on the back.
Hes a credit to you, also excellent gene stock.

Denese

According to the vets his chest is clear. It sounds as if the water is going down the right way, but with air, then he gurgles. Don't worry, he won't be put through any testing, and is enjoying life still. The night time gagging was getting very tiring, for him and me, but with the "biccies at bedtime" routine we are both getting a good nights sleep!