My senior Lab is coughing & choking. What to do about laryngeal paralysis?

If you think your dog is suffering from laryngeal paralysis you need to take him to your veterinarian for an exam. There are quite a few diseases that can mimic laryngeal paralysis and before treatment can begin you need a proper diagnosis and also hopefully an underlying cause. This could also be caused by a tumor, abscess or infection. Please do not give your dog any medication without a verified diagnosis made by your veterinarian.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! At 2 years of age, laryngeal paralysis is a bit uncommon. I have seen it once in a lab that was 1-2 years old. If he has increased upper airway noise when panting then it is possible. I would have your vet to a sedated laryngeal exam to diagnosis it. It wouldn't be wrong to look in his throat regardless. He could have an overlong soft palpate or everted saccules all of which can cause snoring or upper airway noise. I hope this helps and I wish you and Teddie the best!

Hello, sorry to hear about Blue. Laryngeal paralysis is a disease in which the arterytinoid cartilages of the larynx have a decreased function or completely stop moving. These cartilages are moved via contraction of the muscles that are innarvated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Several reasons may cause this nerve to stop working and thus lead to laryngeal paralysis. Causes include trauma, a neck mass, hypothyroidism, or most commonly we cannot determine a cause and it’s termed idiopathic. Complications from having laryngeal paralysis include coughing, voice tone changes, and respiratory obstruction that could lead to death. The tie back procedure permanently tacks one of these aretynoid cartilages in an open position. The surgery relieve respiratory distress and most often decreases or stops the coughing all together. The surgery itself is very successful, however you pet permanently had an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. Any signs of coughing warrant an evaluation by a veterinarian and chest x-rays. Your dog will not be allowed to swim and should be kept in a low stress, low exercise environment to avoid him getting worked up or inhaling water while swimming as his air way will be permanently partially open. Hope this helps and I wish Blue a speedy recovery

I'm not quite sure what that means by less cartilage. Did they mean laryngeal paralysis? That's a condition where the cartilage does not move the way it should during breathing. I recommend to call your veterinarian for clarification. Also ask about any recommendations such as exercise restrictions or hot weather precautions. You may also ask if something like an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for pets would be beneficial to keep the lining of the trachea healthy and reduce inflammation. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

There are many things this could be: * laryngeal paralysis * congestive heart failure * severe pain * hypothyroidism * pulmonary thromboembolism * pneumonia * bloat * many more possibilities.... He really needs to get to the vet for an exam and possibly some blood testing and/or x-rays so you can get a diagnosis. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Another surgery can be considered and there are always options to try before considering euthanasia. I would highly recommend you consider meeting with a board certified surgeon so that all the options can be considered. At that time they can discuss with you the pros and cons of these options and you can then make an informed decision. I really hope they can help Dexter!!!

Laryngeal paralysis is more common in larger breed dogs. It is not impossible for Little Puppy to have that but it is not likely. It is more likely that he has a collapsing trachea. I would recommend you talk to your vet about this symptoms if they continue. http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/05/21/tracheal-collapse-dog-treatment.aspx I hope this helps. Best wishes!