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Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs

Occurrence: very rare
Location of illness: Head/Neck

Laryngeal paralysis is a condition in which the nerves that control the muscles of the larynx are damaged or paralyzed, resulting in incomplete or absent movement of the vocal cords.

The most important facts at a glance

Laryngeal paralysis in dogs is a condition in which the nerve function of the larynx is impaired, leading to respiratory distress and changes in the voice. The larynx, also known as the voice box, is a structure made of cartilage, muscles, and ligaments, mainly controlled by the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Causes can be hereditary or acquired, but an idiopathic form often occurs, especially in older large dog breeds such as Labrador Retrievers. Other possible causes include trauma, infections, tumors, or systemic diseases such as hypothyroidism.

Typical symptoms include respiratory distress, cough, panting, and abnormal breathing sounds. Diagnosis is made by clinical examination, laryngoscopy, and possibly additional tests such as blood tests or X-rays. Treatment varies depending on the severity. Conservative measures such as weight control may be sufficient, while severe cases may require surgery, such as the “Tying Back” surgery to improve breathing. Careful monitoring is important after surgery to avoid complications.

The prognosis depends on the cause and treatment, but many dogs can have a good quality of life after successful surgery. Preventive measures are limited, but good health care and early detection can help. Research focuses on genetic predispositions, better surgical techniques, and new drug treatments to improve the quality of life of affected dogs.

Causes

The larynx, also known as the voice box, is a complex structure of cartilage, muscles, and ligaments located in the dog’s throat. Its main function is to protect the airways during swallowing and to produce sound. The movements of the larynx are controlled by the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve.

In laryngeal paralysis, the function of this nerve is impaired, causing the vocal cords to no longer open or close properly. This can lead to respiratory distress and a change in the dog’s voice. The causes of this nerve disorder can be varied, ranging from hereditary diseases to acquired conditions.

One of the most common causes of laryngeal paralysis in dogs is idiopathic laryngeal paralysis, where the exact cause is unknown. This form often occurs in older large dog breeds, especially the Labrador Retriever. In addition, laryngeal paralysis can also be hereditary, which is observed in certain breeds such as the Bouvier des Flandres and the Dalmatian.

Other causes may include trauma, infections, tumors in the neck area, or systemic diseases such as hypothyroidism. In some cases, paralysis can also result from surgical procedures in the neck area or from toxic influences.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of laryngeal paralysis often appear gradually and can vary depending on the severity of the condition. The most common signs include changes in the voice or barking, which may sound hoarse or rough.

Another common symptom is respiratory distress, especially under stress or in warm weather. Dogs with laryngeal paralysis may show loud breathing noises, especially when inhaling. These noises are caused by the inadequate opening of the vocal cords, which obstructs the airflow.

In more severe cases, the dogs may also cough, especially when drinking or eating. This may indicate the entry of liquids or food into the airways, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Some dogs also show a general malaise or a decrease in physical performance.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis usually begins with a thorough clinical examination and the recording of the dog’s medical history. The veterinarian will look for the typical symptoms and ask the owner about the course and duration of the symptoms.

To confirm the diagnosis, a laryngoscopy is often performed. This is a procedure in which the veterinarian directly views the dog’s larynx to assess the mobility of the vocal cords. This examination is usually performed under light sedation to keep the dog calm.

Additional diagnostic tests may include blood tests to rule out other underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism. In some cases, X-rays or an endoscopy may also be performed to examine the neck area more closely and rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.

Therapy

The treatment of laryngeal paralysis can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual needs of the dog. In mild cases, conservative measures such as weight control, avoidance of heat stress, and the use of a harness instead of a collar may be sufficient.

In more severe cases, surgery may be required. A commonly performed surgery is the so-called “Tying Back” surgery (arytenoid lateralization), in which part of the larynx is permanently opened to improve airflow. This surgery can significantly relieve respiratory distress but carries the risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia.

After surgery, it is important to carefully monitor the dog and follow all postoperative instructions from the veterinarian. Recovery can take several weeks, and it is important to keep the dog calm and avoid strenuous activities during this time.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with laryngeal paralysis depends on several factors, including the cause of the paralysis, the severity of the symptoms, and the treatment performed. In many cases, surgical treatment can significantly improve the dog’s quality of life and relieve symptoms.

However, the risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia remains, especially in dogs that have undergone surgery. Long-term monitoring and regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor the dog’s health and respond to potential problems early.

Dogs with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis who are successfully operated on can often have a good quality of life, although they may need to make some adjustments to their lifestyle to avoid respiratory distress and stress.

Prevention

Since laryngeal paralysis in dogs is often idiopathic or genetic factors play a role, there are no specific measures to completely prevent the disease. However, some general measures can help reduce the risk or slow the progression of symptoms.

Good general health care, including regular veterinary examinations and a balanced diet, can help promote the dog’s overall health and minimize potential risk factors. Weight control is important because overweight can worsen respiratory distress.

Early detection of symptoms and timely veterinary examination can also help to recognize the disease at an earlier stage and initiate appropriate treatment. This can help improve the quality of life of the affected dog and potentially avoid more serious complications.

Outlook on current research

Laryngeal paralysis in dogs is an area of intensive veterinary medical research, as the disease has a significant impact on the quality of life of affected animals. One of the most important areas of research deals with the genetic predisposition for this disease. Scientists are investigating specific genetic markers that are more common in certain breeds to better understand which dogs are at higher risk. These genetic studies could ultimately lead to the development of genetic tests that help identify at-risk dogs early and take preventive measures.

Another significant area of research focuses on improving surgical techniques for the treatment of laryngeal paralysis. The most commonly performed surgery is the so-called “Tie-Back” surgery, which keeps the larynx open and facilitates breathing. Researchers are working to optimize this technique to increase the success rate and minimize complications such as aspiration pneumonia. New approaches, such as minimally invasive surgical procedures, are also being investigated to reduce recovery time and the risk of postoperative infections.

In addition, veterinary medical research is working intensively on the development of new drug treatment strategies. Current studies are evaluating the use of drugs that improve nerve function or have anti-inflammatory properties to slow the progression of laryngeal paralysis or relieve symptoms. These pharmacological approaches could be a valuable addition or alternative to surgical procedures, especially for dogs who cannot tolerate surgery due to their age or other health problems.

Finally, there are also research efforts that focus on the rehabilitation and care of dogs with laryngeal paralysis. Physiotherapy programs aimed at strengthening the respiratory muscles and improving general fitness are being tested. These programs could help to significantly improve the quality of life of the affected dogs and extend their lifespan. By combining research findings from various disciplines, scientists hope to develop more comprehensive and effective treatment plans for dogs with laryngeal paralysis.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs? Laryngeal paralysis is a condition in which the muscles that open and close the larynx no longer function properly. This leads to a narrowing of the airways and can cause respiratory distress.
Which dogs are most commonly affected? Laryngeal paralysis is more common in older, large dog breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Irish Setters. However, it can also occur in younger dogs and smaller breeds.
What are the symptoms of laryngeal paralysis? Typical symptoms include loud breathing, cough, hoarseness, choking sounds, reduced resilience, and in severe cases, respiratory distress. Some dogs may also experience coughing or gagging when eating or drinking.
How is laryngeal paralysis diagnosed? The diagnosis is usually made through a combination of clinical examination, taking a detailed medical history, and a visual examination of the larynx, often under sedation, by a veterinarian.
What treatment options are there? The most common treatment is the surgical “Tie-Back” surgery, in which one side of the larynx is held open to facilitate breathing. In some cases, drug therapies or changes in the dog’s lifestyle can also help.
Can laryngeal paralysis be prevented? Since the exact cause is often unknown and genetic factors may play a role, prevention is difficult. Nevertheless, regular veterinary examinations and a healthy lifestyle can help promote general well-being.
Are there complications with the treatment? Yes, one of the most common complications after the “Tie-Back” surgery is aspiration pneumonia, in which food or liquid enters the lungs. This can lead to a serious Pneumonia that requires immediate veterinary treatment.
What is the prognosis for dogs with laryngeal paralysis? With appropriate treatment and care, many dogs can maintain a good quality of life. However, the prognosis varies depending on the severity of the condition and the dog’s general health.
What can I do to support my dog? Keep your dog in a cool environment, avoid stress and overexertion, and offer a soft, easily digestible diet. Regular veterinary check-ups are also important.
Are certain lifestyle changes necessary? Yes, dogs with laryngeal paralysis benefit from a calm and stress-free lifestyle. Avoid strenuous activities and heat exposure. Overweight should be avoided as it can worsen the symptoms.