Did I choose correctly for my senior dog's laryngeal paralysis?

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!!!

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!

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

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If Rusty has an elongated soft palate, the surgery will definitely help him breathe easier. I would have the surgery done if this is the recommendation so that the flap does not obstruct the airway. The anesthesia is typically not the problem it is the recovery period when the tube is removed from the airway that the breathing problems can occur. Once the tube is in place for Rusty to attach the anesthesia to, it will probably be the best that he has ever been able to breathe if he has been dealing with an elongated soft palate. Typically with these cases, I will leave the airway tube in place until the patient is wide awake and can hold the head up. Once the patient is awake and able to swallow, I then pull the tube. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

I'm so incredibly sorry to hear about this. Sometimes in emergent situations when the pets are painful, the explanations get shortened- but I believe you and your vet came to the best solution for Joey. Typically, when the spinal cord compresses enough to cause paralysis, the surgery needs to be done within 24 hours to be effective, and the surgery alone generally runs 8,000-10,000 dollars, not including a lot of aftercare and physical therapy. There's also a risk of the surgery not working because the damage is too extensive already. In these situations, the pets are in an extreme amount of pain and very confused as to why they can't move. In situations where perhaps only one leg was affected or he was in back pain without being paralyzed, surgery would likely be more successful and your vet may have pushed you to pursue it more. I believe based on what you're telling me, that Joey's spinal problem had a poor outlook for surgery and your vet didn't want you to spend the money on something that wouldn't cure him or end his pain in the long run. I believe you made the most ethical and kind decision for Joey. It's heartbreaking to have to make these decisions for our pets, but you made a painful decision on your behalf to end Joey's physical pain when he had no other option. You made a beautiful sacrifice for his quality of life. Please seek counseling or grieving avenues with your loved ones during this hard time. I know unexpected loss can be so, so tragic. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.

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!

Thank you for using PetCoach. I am so sorry for you and your pup and the decisions you are having to make. One of the best people to help you with this decision is his veterinarian as they have seen and evaluated him. Some dogs with back/disc problems are extremely painful. In this case, euthanasia is absolutely the best decision if surgery isn't an option. In some cases, dogs can live several years while paralyzed, but it does require extreme dedication on the part of their owners. These dogs need to have their bladders expressed regularly and may also have some bladder or fecal incontinence, meaning stool or urine may be released anywhere, and the dog is incapable of controlling it. Some dogs may need enemas periodically. Often these dogs will develop sores on their legs, and need socks or leggings to help protect their legs. They do make "wheelchairs" but these cannot be left on them more than an hour or two at a time. They can develop urinary track infections that will need medications fairly often due to urine not being completely emptied from the bladder. I'm not trying to scare you, but I want you to understand the care he may need. If you are unable to provide that level of care, euthanasia is a very kind choice in that situation. But if he isn't painful and you are up to the challenge, then speak with his veterinarian about his best care and what you need to do to help him. He may still be able to live a happy life for months to years. Here is more info on care http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1522 And a website that make wheel chairs http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1522 that has more links to support groups etc. I think as long as you can ensure he can have a good quality of life, then it is fair to keep going. If work, family, finances or other concerns will not allow him to receive the care he may require, then euthanasia is a very fair and kind option. I hope this may help and I am very sorry for this decision you are making.