Is it safe for my dog to swim after laryngeal paralysis surgery?

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.

No, it would not be a good idea to put him in the water until he is much older. Since they are not good swimmers at that age is it very easy for them to choke on water. That water can get in the lungs and can also cause pneumonia. His lungs are already compromised from his last bout of pneumonia. Salt water is especially bad. It is best to wait until he is an adult to put him in the water.

I am sorry to hear about Gunner! There are numerous surgical procedures used for dogs with laryngeal paralysis. I would ask your veterinarian if they can tell you the name of the procedure. I am attaching a link to an article on laryngeal paralysis that also includes a description of the various surgical procedures: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2331 . I hope that Gunner is feeling better soon!

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!