Confirmed: Canine Laryngeal Paralysis

The most recent episode in which he can't inhale adequately. This clip was taken just before he went to the vet, was anesthetized, and diagnosed with LarPar (LP or Laryngeal Paralysis). One day later (today) he underwent surgery to tie back the left arytenoid cartilage in his larynx. This opens his airways so that he can breathe, but the opening is permanent, which puts him at risk of aspirating foreign matter into his lungs, which can in turn cause aspiration pneumonia.

His earliest signs of breathing problems -- years ago -- were noisy, raspy breathing after exertion. In recent months episodes like the one shown here became more and more frequent, and were sometimes life threatening -- the worst instances marked by pronounced foaming, convulsions, and utter collapse.

Added one week later: He has recovered well from the surgery and can now breathe normally, which is an enormous relief to all of us. He is more vigorous now than he's been in months, but still no puppy, as he is elderly (14 years 9 months) and has many other afflictions.

Added months later: He continued to breathe normally and the feared aspiration pneumonia never occurred, so the surgery was a success. He passed away from unrelated causes 6 months later. A tribute to his life is here: http://dog.happystoic.com/wilbur

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Dyspnea
• diagnosis
• LarPar
• LP
• breathing
• distress
• Wilbur
• arytenoid
• cartilage

[SwabbyDoc]

Thank you for this informative video. I am very glad I came across it. My 14 year old American Pit Bull Terrier was diagnosed earlier this evening. I was happy to read the info you added and I hope my buddy will have the same recovery. I'm glad you got to spend as much time with him as you did.

[reddishegret]

@SwabbyDoc Best of luck to you and your 14 year old buddy. We know how long and durable the bond can be.

[tommydkat]

My dog has this, but it is not as bad.... does it get worse? is this what I might have to accept?

[reddishegret]

@tommydkat Please see the description. In a nutshell he had surgery for the condition in December 2009. The surgery was successful -- he breathed comfortably again. He passed away in June 2010 from other, age-related afflictions.

[blueandblonde111]

I just lost my dog due to this last night I took her to the emergency hospital , they dignosed her, and wanted to keep her over night..the bill was 600!! so I asked if i can take her home and get her normal vets opinion and schedule surgery the next day..BAD decesion.she died 8 hours later....people, this is a SERIOS and fatal disease.its very expensive treatment, but I wish I had the chance to get her the surgery.and wish to god I kept her in the hospital.. Daisy May we love you baby girl

[whereiswaldo2006]

My beloved Aspen died of this last night.

IT IS VERY SERIOUS. Treatment is limited.

1. Keep the dog non-stressed as much as possible

2. Excercise of any type is out for the remainder of his life.

3. Stress, excitement and heat are your enemy.

4. Prednisone may help...but only if there is swelling

5. The "larynx flap" tie-back surgery is not without risk b/c of risk of aspiration of food or water...then your facing pulmonary infection.

It's just a horrible condition. and potential fatal.

[pcasable]

Read your tribute...so cool. Great dog...my dog is 13, breathing is raspy, barking is hoarse...I'll look into LP....it's so hard but such a beautiful experience to love these loyal creatures....yup

[marty800]

this depresses me