Laryngeal paralysis in dogs
The throat muscles of the larynx (laryngeal folds) open when breathing and close when eating or drinking. The laryngeal folds are paralysed and remain closed, which significantly impairs breathing.
This condition often has no identifiable cause, but especially affects certain breeds and may be part of an overall neurologic condition.
Breathing can worsen when dogs with laryngeal paralysis are anxious. A respiratory crisis can arise from partial or full airway obstruction.
What are common laryngeal paralysis signs in dogs?
Early signs include:
- Excess panting
- Exercise intolerance
- Change in voice/bark
- Coughing, especially after eating or drinking
Intermediate to advanced signs include:
- Loud breathing sounds
- Respiratory gasping or distress
- Bluish gums
- Collapse
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How is laryngeal paralysis managed in dogs?
Management of laryngeal paralysis depends on sign severity. Surgery is highly recommended for dogs with severe breathing difficulty. The most common surgical approach is tying back the laryngeal folds to keep them open. If surgery is not an option, conservative management includes diet and lifestyle modifications, and anti-inflammatory or anti-anxiety medications.
Discussing a personalised management plan with your veterinarian and a veterinary surgeon is important for the best outcome for your dog.
What is the prognosis for dogs with laryngeal paralysis?
The prognosis for dogs who have surgery is good to excellent, but a 10-20% post-surgical risk of aspiration pneumonia exists.
Conservative treatment may be adequate for mild cases, but laryngeal paralysis is a progressive disease with the risk of acute respiratory distress.
Regardless of the treatment plan, some dogs develop an enlarged oesophagus or more generalised neurologic signs over time.
Management tips for dogs with laryngeal paralysis
At-home needs include:
- Easy access to food and water and a comfortable location
- A prescription weight loss diet, if needed
- Consistency with prescribed medications or supplements
- Elevating food and water dishes for larger dogs
- Low energy activity and play
- Avoiding stressful situations
- Monitoring appetite, vomiting, drinking, urination, defecation, weight, and energy level
- Watching for signs of worsening disease
For end-of-life care:
- Try to keep your dog safe and comfortable
- Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration
- Monitor for pain or discomfort
- Evaluate your dog's quality of life with our scoring tool, here
In a crisis:
Immediately contact your vet if your dog is breathing rapidly, gasping for air, has bluish gums, or collapses.
It is vital to begin end-of-life care discussions before your dog‘s condition becomes unmanageable or they begin losing their quality of life.
Don’t wait until the very end. It’s important to consider your pet’s end-of-life journey early, so that you, your family and your pet are all supported through the process.
When the time comes, we’re here for you. Goodbye Good Boy provides a range of end-of-life services to make the difficult process of saying goodbye a little easier.
We offer quality of life assessments from qualified vets, specialist grief counselling, at home euthanasia from dedicated end of life veterinarians, as well as cremation services and memorial options to help remember your pet for their unique character.
We are with you at every step of the journey.
To find out more, you can call our team of passionate pet lovers on 1800 953 619.
This article was reproduced with permission from Goodbye Good Boy advisor Dr Dani McVety, of Lap Of Love.