My dog has laryngeal paralysis. What two-stage surgery is this?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Is gunner better with just one side being done? If he is then leave him be and see how he does. I think that you did the best thing for him that you could. Your Vet wouldn't have done the procedure if they didn't think it was the right thing to do. Even if his breathing is noisy as long as he isn't over heating you probably did improve his quality of life. Just be careful on hot humid days, he shouldn't be outside long. If he starts getting noisy and distressed looking hose him down with cool water, bring him indoors and put a box fan on him. You can also ask your vet for sedatives to keep him calm during events that make him anxious so he won't go in to respiratory distress. I hope this helps and I wish you and Gunner the very best!

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.

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

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 can only be addressed surgically. There are no medications that can treat this disease. I suspect that the Previcox and food prescribed were for arthritis and joint pain. I am not sure what the follow up visit would entail. Speak with your veterinarian to determine exactly what he intends to do as part of the follow up visit and to assess if his recommendations can be postponed.

Swimming is not recommended after arytenoid lateralization surgery to treat (I'm assuming) Buddy's laryngeal paralysis. With this surgical procedure, dogs are unable to fully protect their airway, so if water is inhaled inadvertently during swimming, there is a strong likelihood that aspiration pneumonia could develop. Drowning is unlikely to occur while swimming, but it is the after effects that are most concerning. I hope this helps and that all goes well for Buddy!

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!