With laryngeal paralysis in dogs, it's difficult to predict how severe the symptoms will be. Some dogs may experience difficulty breathing and require surgery while others can live with laryngeal paralysis without any noticeable change in their quality of life. Laryngeal paralysis in dogs causes the larynx to become paralyzed, which inhibits the dog's ability to speak or bark and can also lead to difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, laryngeal paralysis can even lead to respiratory arrest. It's critical to be able to spot the symptoms of laryngeal paralysis in dogs so that they may receive treatment as soon as possible!
What is laryngeal paralysis in dogs?
Laryngeal paralysis is a problem with the muscles in a dog's throat. This makes it hard for the dog to breathe because the muscles can't move the arytenoids properly. Multiple muscles control the adduction of the arytenoids, but only one muscle is responsible for the abduction. As a result, the loss of nerve supply to this single muscle is responsible for the most severe symptoms of laryngeal paralysis. Without proper abduction of the arytenoid cartilages, the opening to the trachea (windpipe) cannot open fully, therefore creating a function obstruction of airflow.
What causes laryngeal paralysis in dogs?
Laryngeal paralysis can be congenital or acquired, and the incidence of congenital laryngeal paralysis in dogs is much lower than acquired laryngeal paralysis.
Congenital laryngeal paralysis
An inherited genetic defect can cause congenital laryngeal paralysis in dogs. This defect results in a loss of nerve supply to the larynx. The most common type of congenital laryngeal paralysis is part of a broader polyneuropathy and therefore, other symptoms or diseases will likely be present. Affected breeds include rottweiler, Bouvier, husky, German shepherd, and Dalmatians. Dogs are typically younger when diagnosed (1-6 months of age).
Acquired laryngeal paralysis
Acquired laryngeal paralysis is more common than congenital paralysis and has several potential etiologies. For years, acquired laryngeal paralysis was thought to be idiopathic and specific to the larynx. It was later found that some dogs had generalized neuromuscular disorders, which are often known as Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy (GOLPP). The cause is unknown for this disorder but some research has identified a few breeds that might have heritable predispositions.
Although a causal relationship between hypothyroidism and dogs was once suspected, analysis has found no evidence for this association. Due to the fact however that hypothyroidism can cause neuropathy in dogs, dogs with laryngeal paralysis should be tested for hypothyroidism.
What are the symptoms of laryngeal paralysis in dogs?
Symptoms of laryngeal paralysis can include difficulty breathing, noisy breathing (stridor), a change in bark, gagging, regurgitation, and coughing. As laryngeal paralysis creates an upper respiratory obstruction, breathing patterns would reveal difficulty with inspiration compared to expiration.
One of the potential complications of laryngeal paralysis in dogs is aspiration pneumonia. Dogs with laryngeal paralysis are unable to close their larynx when swallowing. This can allow water and food material to enter the respiratory system and cause pneumonia. Symptoms of aspiration secondary to laryngeal paralysis can include a hoarse cough, labored breathing, fever, lethargy, and anorexia (lack of appetite).
How is laryngeal paralysis in dogs diagnosed?
If your dog is displaying any of the symptoms associated with laryngeal paralysis, you should take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis. The veterinarian will perform a detailed physical examination and may order some tests to help make a diagnosis.
A definitive diagnosis requires a detailed laryngeal examination. This test can be performed by your veterinarian by providing light sedation, just enough to visualize the larynx. Your veterinarian will be able to view the larynx during inspiration and expiration and determine if laryngeal paralysis is present. Laryngoscopy (with an endoscopic camera) is also a possibility but most veterinarians do not have access to this type of equipment and therefore your dog would need to be sent to a referral center for this particular test. Neck and chest X-rays should also be performed so that your veterinarian can evaluate for any other concurrent diseases such as megaesophagus and aspiration pneumonia.
How is laryngeal paralysis in dogs treated?
Treatment depends on the severity and progression of symptoms. Some dogs only have mild symptoms, but they don't appear to have breathing difficulties during exercise, stress, or warm weather and these dogs may only require cautious monitoring and conservative treatment.
Conservative therapy
Dogs that have mild symptoms and there is evidence of exercise intolerance and inspiratory stridor (noisy breathing) will benefit from conservative therapy. Using a harness rather than a neck collar, avoiding exposure to hot, humid weather, reducing the dog's activity level, and possibly using mild sedatives are all viable therapy options.
Surgical therapy
In severe cases where laryngeal paralysis has progressed to the point that the dog pronounced symptoms and difficulty breathing, surgery is often recommended. The most common surgical procedure for laryngeal paralysis in dogs is an Arytenoid Lateralization Laryngoplasty ("tie-back" procedure). The tie-back technique involves placing sutures between certain parts of the larynx to help open up the airway. The sutures imitate the action of a muscle that normally opens the airway, and also help the larynx move in a way that allows for easier breathing. This creates a permanent opening on the affected side, allowing air to flow more easily through the larynx.
Lifestyle adjustments that should be made for dogs with laryngeal paralysis
Swimming - Swimming should be prohibited for dogs with laryngeal paralysis because water can enter the larynx and cause aspiration pneumonia. If your dog loves the water, having a kiddie pool is acceptable.
Feeding - Dogs with laryngeal paralysis should be fed small meals multiple times a day rather than one or two large meals. This will help to reduce the risk of aspiration. In addition, To minimize the dust that can irritate the throat and cause coughing, soak dry kibble in water before feeding.
Drinking - Allowing your dog to drink from a raised water bowl can help prevent water from entering the larynx while drinking. Excessive water consumption at one time is likely a bigger risk for aspiration than eating solid meals.
Barking - As barking places stress on the larynx, it is advised to control environments that may promote or precipitate barking. In some dogs where this is a difficult task, using sedatives may be a good option.
What is the prognosis of laryngeal paralysis in dogs?
The prognosis for laryngeal paralysis in dogs is variable and depends on the severity of the disease, concurrent diseases, and how well the dog responds to treatment. In general, dogs with acquired laryngeal paralysis have a good prognosis while those with congenital laryngeal paralysis are generally poor.
The key takeaway for dog owners is that laryngeal paralysis can cause difficulty breathing and in severe cases, the dog may not be able to breathe at all. If your dog has any of the symptoms associated with laryngeal paralysis, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis. Treatment depends on the severity and progression of symptoms but may include conservative therapy or surgery. Lifestyle adjustments should also be made to minimize the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Swimming, feeding, and drinking should all be done in a way that minimizes the risk of aspiration. Barking should also be controlled to minimize stress on the larynx. For more information on laryngeal paralysis in dogs, please speak to your veterinarian.