Laryngeal Paralysis

Labrador Retriever

Who is usually affected?
-Older, large breed dogs
-Most commonly found in Labrador retrievers

What is happening?
-Nerves that supply the "voice box" (larynx) become dysfunctional
-Larynx does not open enough for proper breathing nor does it close properly when eating/drinking
-During excitement, heat stress, and exercise, dogs will breathe harder causing the airway to swell which makes breathing even more difficult

Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-Increased panting
-Noisy breathing, particularly when exercising or excited
-Normal bark becomes noticeably hoarse or soft
-Decreased ability or willingness to exercise, particularly on warm days
-In severe cases breathing efforts may become distressed causing possible collapse

*SEVERE DISTRESS OR COLLAPSE SHOULD BE HANDLED AS AN EMERGENCY. KEEP YOUR ANIMAL AS CALM AS POSSIBLE, IN A COOL ENVIRONMENT, AND TAKE THEM TO THE CLOSEST VETERINARY EMERGENCY CLINIC.*

Preoperative appearance of a paralyzed larynx Click to enlarge

Diagnosis
-Under carefully monitored anesthesia the larynx is visually inspected (laryngoscopy)
-X-rays are frequently used to evaluate the respiratory system

Surgical treatment
-Surgical modification of the airway to increase air flow by laryngeal cartilage "tie back" (arytenoid lateralization)

Postoperative appearance of a larynx following arytenoid lateralization Click to enlarge

Special postoperative care
-It is important to avoid excitement and heat stress for the first 2 weeks after surgery
-We recommend the use of a harness when walking
-Elevating food and water bowls helps insure proper swallowing

Expected results with surgery
-Improved ability to breathe
-Increased ability to exercise
-Generally much less noise is heard with breathing
-Dogs will have a permanent change in their bark
-There is an increased chance of developing pneumonia due to increased airway opening