From what I understand, they're born with it (don't quote me on this, though).
All the little rings in their esophagus sort of stick together sometimes, and they do this reverse sneezing to suck air in really fast and make their throat go back to normal. Pivo does this several times a day and it doesn't seem to affect him at all, he'll be running and playing or sleeping, all while honking the entire time.
When he has a bad attack, though, the best thing to help him is holding his nose so he has to breathe through his mouth and gently rubbing/massaging his throat. It clears up quickly.
I don't think we noticed that he had it until he was about a year old.. it's never bothered him or affected his energy level or health, really. |