My old dog snores and snorts after dental surgery. Should I worry?

Sometimes after dental extractions they can develop a connection between the nasal and oral cavities called a fistula. This can allow oral cavity food, bacteria, saliva, etc. to enter the nose which can sometimes lead to these signs. Often times there may be nasal discharge as well. As well there are other post anesthesia problems that can occur less frequently. Since this sounds like a notable change post dental i would have it evaluated by your family vet. They can look at the extraction sites and do a thorough oral exam (sedation likely required) as well as check for normal airflow via the nose and normal airway function. If you think the sleeping a lot is new as well then this could be related or some other issue. Rechecking some bloodwork will likely be recommended as he is an older pet that underwent anesthesia. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. After being intubated, sometimes the tube placed in the airway can cause irritation leading to a cough or other abnormal breathing sounds. What you are describing sounds almost as if Token has an excessive soft palate causing the snoring sound. I would recommend taking him back to the veterinarian that performed the dental cleaning and having him / her examine Token so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I would consider having x-rays taken of the airway to ensure that everything is normal. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

IT is a possibility, although usually there is no long term effect and the symptoms seems to disappear within a few days to a few weeks. if it happens just with food and doesn't seem to bother him otherwise, i would not worry too much about it at the moment.

Eddie's trachea could be irritated from the ET tube used during the dental procedure. Keep a close eye on him, and if this continues over the next 24 hours or he has trouble breathing, take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

Hopefully it's nothing but anytime you notice a change in the breathing character, you should pay attention. I advise to make an appointment with your veterinarian who will listen to her heart and lungs as well as check her throat for any abnormalities. There are may reason this could happen and its best to be safe. Avoid heavy activity until she is checked out. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I would get her in to see your vet. Since the snoring and breathing noise is a recent development, it could mean she has a tumor or polyp somewhere in her upper respiratory tract that is causing the problem. Catching it early is the best for a good outcome.

The upper teeth have roots that extend very closely to the nasal passages and if Custard had any teeth removed, then it's possible that there could be some irritation, or bleeding in the nasal passages. This often heals soon after the surgery, but may take a week or two. If he didn't have any teeth removed, or his problem worsens over the next week, then it would be worthwhile to have your vet examine him. Signs of a worsening problem are an increase in sneezing, coughing and discharge from the nose. This can be a sign of infection, so it's possible that he will need additional treatment. Otherwise, it's best to monitor this condition for now and see if it improves in the next week. I hope that helps and all is well with Custard.