Laryngeal paralysis

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Laryngeal paralysis in animals is a condition in which the folds of the larynx do not retract and allow the larynx to open during breathing as they should. Laryngeal paralysis is fairly common in dogs, but is also rarely found in various cat breeds.

1 Causes
2 Symptoms
3 Diagnosis
4 Treatment
5 Complications
6 External links

[edit] Causes

In most cases, the cause of laryngeal paralysis is unknown. There have been some linkages to genetic defect, hypothyroidism, or middle to old age of larger breeds. It is commonly believed now to have a link with a larger neurological problem. Choke collars or slip leads have no relation to LP.

[edit] Symptoms

Symptoms of laryngeal paralysis include voice change, gagging or coughing during eating or drinking, regurgitation of food, exercise intolerance, noisy breathing, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, backwards 'sneezing', fainting. Early signs of LP are often misdiagnosed as asthma, allergies, bloat, or simply normal signs of aging. Acute or later symptoms are usually unmistakable and require immediate emergency treatment.

[edit] Diagnosis

This condition is diagnosed by direct examination of the larynx under anesthesia. It is best to check for this while checking for polyps and cancers. Further tests are needed to rule out heart or lung disease, or hypothyroidism. These are done with blood tests and radiographs.

[edit] Treatment

Mild cases are managed by limiting stress, keeping a healthy body weight, and limiting exercise. Raising the food and water bowls may also help. Moderate cases are usually managed with mild sedatives. Moderate to severe cases must be stabilized with sedatives, steroids, and oxygen treatments. Once stabilized, surgery may be an option. The surgery consists of tying back one of the laryngeal flaps (tying back both flaps often results in greater complications). Sometimes a tracheotomy is required.

[edit] Complications

Besides complications due to the surgery itself (anesthesia complications or infection), there may be drainage, swelling, or redness of the incision; recurrence of respiratory difficulties; gagging or coughing during eating or drinking; pneumonia due to aspiration of food or drink. Undesirable complications are estimated to occur in only 10-30% of cases. If surgery cannot be performed due to heart or lung problems, severity of respiratory problems, age, probable post surgical complications, cost (about $3000), or other health problems, euthanasia should be considered.