Laryngeal Paralysis
The larynx is located in the back of the throat.
Air moves from the mouth or nose through the larynx,
into the trachea (windpipe).Laryngeal paralysis is a
disorder inwhich the cartilages that open and close
the larynx do not function properly. This results in loud
breathing sounds and can lead to respiratory distress
(difficulty getting enough air) especially when it is hot
out or with exercise.
The larynx is located in the back of the throat.
Air moves from the mouth or nose through the larynx,
into the trachea (windpipe).Laryngeal paralysis is a
disorder inwhich the cartilages that open and close
the larynx do not function properly. This results in loud
breathing sounds and can lead to respiratory distress
(difficulty getting enough air) especially when it is hot
out or with exercise.
Laryngeal Paralysis
What causes laryngeal paralysis?
Laryngeal paralysis occurs most commonly in older, large breed dogs
such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Saint Bernards, and
Siberian Huskies. Usually, the larynx is normal at birth, but over time,
the nerves and muscles that control the laryngeal cartilages lose function. I
n most of these cases, the cause for this condition is unknown.
Laryngeal paralysis can also be the result of damage to the nerves and/or muscles of the
larynx due to a bite wound or other trauma. Sometimes laryngeal paralysis is associated
with hypothyroidism. Laryngeal paralysis is rare in cats.
What are the signs of laryngeal paralysis?
Click here to see a video of a dog with laryngeal paralysis
The first sign of laryngeal paralysis is often a voice change: you may notice that your dog's
bark sounds 'hoarse'. These pets make a lot of noise when they breathe in, and they may
gag or choke when they eat. The signs are usually worse in hot and humid weather, during
exercise, and in overweight pets. The condition may become so severe that your pet
cannot take in sufficient air: this can become a life-threatening situation.
How do you diagnose laryngeal paralysis?
With your dog under light anesthesia, one of our surgeons will examines your pet's larynx. If
your pet has laryngeal paralysis, the laryngeal cartilages will not open as wide as they
should as he/she inhales.
How is laryngeal paralysis treated?
In most cases, surgery is needed. The most common type of surgery for this condition is a
procedure called an 'arytenoid lateralization,' sometimes also known as a 'laryngeal
tie-back' surgery. This involves putting two permanent sutures in place to hold the arytenoid
cartilage open so that adequate air can pass through. Most dogs do quite well after this
surgery, although there is a small risk of bleeding during the surgery, aspiration
(inhalation) of stomach contents during surgery, or aspiration of food and water after the
surgery. The surgery is usually only done on one side, which provides increased airflow
with less risk of aspiration. The most significant complication is aspiration pneumonia.
This is more likely to occur in those animals with megaesophagus or eating difficulties
prior to surgery. These clinical features are usually evident prior to surgery so that the risk
of this complication occurring can be determined.
What other considerations are there?
Most dogs with laryngeal paralysis are elderly, and may have features of other hormonal or
other disease on examination or blood work. The challenge for the clinician is to recognize
the significance of these other disease processes on the presenting condition. In most
cases, definitive surgical management of the laryngeal disease is the treatment of choice.
In others, control of the underlying systemic disease will allow alleviation of the laryngeal
compromise and thus delay the need for definitive surgical management of the laryngeal
disease.
Routine diagnostic work-up of the patient with laryngeal disease would usually include a
complete physical examination, complete blood count, biochemistry profile and urinalysis,
and x-rays of the chest. Pursuit of any abnormalities detected in this diagnostic
investigation will depend on the severity of the laryngeal disease, and the considered role
of the abnormality on the presenting condition.
Will my pet get better?
Prompt and effective management of laryngeal paralysis can be associated with
improvements in breathing efficiency and restoration of an acceptable quality of life. Some
animals may have a persistent cough, and low grade noise may still be heard when they
pant. Usually, however, their restored airway enables them to exercise at a good level for
their age.
