Our Dog's Wheezing: Could It Be Laryngeal Paralysis?

Why Is My Dog's Breathing Like This?

Have you ever noticed your dog wheezing or making a hoarse, goose-like sound after activity or excitement, even while resting? If it seems like your dog is struggling to breathe, you may need to consider the possibility of laryngeal paralysis.

What Is Laryngeal Paralysis?

For your dog to breathe, air enters through the nose and mouth and passes through the larynx, also known as the "voice box," before reaching the lungs. Inside the larynx, there is a cartilaginous door that controls the airflow. Normally, when your dog inhales, this door opens wide to allow air to pass through easily. However, when a dog has laryngeal paralysis, the cartilaginous door becomes paralyzed and doesn't open or close properly, restricting airflow and causing difficulty in breathing.

In severe cases, laryngeal paralysis can cause life-threatening breathing difficulties.

Why Does Laryngeal Paralysis Occur?

Laryngeal paralysis is often idiopathic, especially in older, larger dogs. However, it can also be caused by hypothyroidism, neuromuscular disorders, trauma, tumors, or as a symptom of a generalized neurological condition (GOLPP).

Symptoms of Laryngeal Paralysis

Initial symptoms may appear mild but can worsen over time. Be on the lookout for the following signs:

Wheezing or raspy breathing sounds: Wheezing, snoring, or goose-like sounds during inhalation, especially after activity or excitement.
Coughing and gagging: Frequent coughing or gagging after drinking or eating too quickly, as food or liquid may enter the airway.
Change in barking: A change in the tone or volume of your dog’s bark due to laryngeal issues.
Excessive panting: Panting excessively even with mild exertion or in warm weather.
Exercise intolerance: Difficulty with walking or exercise, often leading to fatigue or sitting down.
Heat sensitivity: Difficulty regulating body temperature, increasing the risk of heatstroke in hot weather.
Color changes in gums or tongue: Cyanosis (blue color) in the tongue or gums due to insufficient oxygen supply.
Collapse or fainting: Sudden fatigue or collapse due to severe breathing difficulty.

How Is Laryngeal Paralysis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis requires a veterinary exam and specialized tests:

Physical examination and auscultation: Checking breathing patterns and lung sounds with a stethoscope.
Laryngoscopy: A camera inserted into the larynx under sedation to check the movement of the laryngeal cartilage.
Chest X-rays: To check for other conditions such as pneumonia or heart disease that could cause breathing difficulties.
Blood tests: To assess general health and check for conditions like hypothyroidism that may contribute to the paralysis.

Treatment for Laryngeal Paralysis

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms:

Medical management (for symptom relief and emergency care): Medications like sedatives (e.g., acepromazine, butorphanol) and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., steroids) can help manage symptoms but do not cure the condition.
Surgical correction: For severe cases, surgery may be necessary. The most common procedure is the "tie-back surgery," where the paralyzed cartilage is permanently fixed to allow better airflow.

Post-Surgical Care and Complications

Risk of aspiration pneumonia: Careful monitoring after surgery to prevent food from entering the airway.
Change in bark: The dog’s bark may change or become less audible due to the surgery.
Progression of the disease: If the paralysis is part of a generalized neurological condition, other symptoms may develop over time.

Breeds Prone to Laryngeal Paralysis

Certain breeds, especially large, older dogs, are more susceptible to laryngeal paralysis, including:

Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
Saint Bernard
Newfoundland
Irish Setter
Dalmatian

Important Tips for Managing Laryngeal Paralysis

Immediate veterinary visit: If you notice any changes in your dog's breathing, visit a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Weight management and exercise control: Maintain an appropriate weight and avoid strenuous exercise.
Heat sensitivity: Keep dogs with laryngeal paralysis cool in hot weather, and limit outdoor activity during the heat of the day.
Feeding precautions: After surgery, feed your dog moist food and avoid allowing them to lie down immediately after meals.
Regular check-ups: Keep regular veterinary appointments to monitor your dog’s condition and adjust treatment if needed.