Hi, was just wondering if dogs can get sinusitis?  My staffy has been a bit 'snottery' for a while and it sounds like she has a lot of phlegm in her nasal passages and throat.  the vet does not seem to be very concerned about this as there is no discharge but I was curious if anyone could enlighten me about whether this could be what is causing it.  It only happens sometimes and she seems to get the phlegm in her mouth, chew it and then swallow it again (it is as disgusting as it sounds!).  Any insight would be appreciated as the vet seems to be at a loss about what it is and is reluctant to give anymore antibiotics.

Dogs can get allergies which present themselves as you describe.  Years ago I had a Boston Terrier who from early spring to the first frosts would start to produce a lot of phlegm.  He didn't swallow it though - he spat it out.  I would have considered swallowing it an improvement.  :-)

Stacey

Thanks for that Stacey, it did cross my mind but the vet said it was probably a bit too early in the year for that - although i have my suspicions it could be grasses (if that is what causes early hayfever) rather than pollen that is causing it.  it's the thought of coughing up something nasty and having to swallow it again that makes me feel queasy but i do agree with you that the thought of a dog coughing up phlegm on the street, sofa, carpet and me isn't very pleasant either.

It could also be a mould such as aspergillus causing these symptoms.

Hi tohme,
I'd never heard of aspergillus but have just done some reading on the net and it sounds like the consequences can be quite bad.  Think I'll contact the vet and enquire about an MRI scan.  thanks for your input, I learn something new everytime I log onto champdogs!