P.O. Box 987
Valley Forge, PA 19482
(267) 249-5762
Non-Profit Corporation.
Dr. Anna Edling, Veterinarian Horsham Veterinary Hospital Horsham, PA Dr. Edling graduated from University of Pennsylvania in 1982, and has been in private small animal practice for 32 years. She owns multiple pets and also is a ferret specialist |
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 LARYNGEAL
PARALYSIS Laryngeal Paralysis occurs when the vocal folds in a dog's throat no longer close properly. This causes breathing problems. When the dog eats, the folds cannot close all the way over the windpipe. Food can be aspirated, causing pneumonia. The acquired form is seen most commonly in older and larger dogs. There is dysfunction of the laryngeal nerves. As animals repeatedly try harder to breathe, inflammation and edema of the larynx occur. Eating, breathing, and vocalization become more difficult. Most frequently owners complain of a hoarse bark and noisy breathing, and gagging or coughing while eating and drinking. Diagnosis is made by direct visualization of the movement of the vocal folds. This is done while the animal is under anesthesia, but almost awake. Initial treatment is symptomatic, with avoidance of stress and provision of a cool environment. Small doses of tranquilizers or analgesics are often helpful. Surgery for severe symptoms is a laryngeal "tie-back" procedure. Animals in late stages of the disease where surgery is not performed (or fails) may die of complete laryngeal collapse. This is due to long-term inflammation, scarring, and weakening of the laryngeal cartilage and muscles. (Editor's note: Laryngeal Paralysis can cause slow suffocation by choking to death. Your dog may only be saved by an emergency tracheotomy. Be aware!) |
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©2003-2009 The Animal Welfare Project P.O. Box 987 Valley Forge, PA 19482 (267) 249-5762 Duplication prohibited without written permission. |