thank you, this doesnt happen every night with him, its only happens 4 times over the last 3 or so months.
i also might add that he does eat like a hoover. he sleeps with another lurcher and eats twice as much food in less time that the other dog, so i have a funny feeling that plays a big part in it as well. i no when i eat to fast it gets sore so i can only imagine the same for the dog... im getting a new bowl for him tomorrow thats meant to slow him down when eating so that should be the end of it.
thanks again for your advice jembo