Surgery can help dog breathe easier
QOur golden retriever, 12, has had a few episodes of labored breathing over the past few months. Our vet has recommended surgery. We have had him on various medications, such as Rimadyl, Tramadol and Gabapentin, but would like to see his breathing become more comfortable. It turns out that he has a condition known as laryngeal paralysis, and we were advised that the surgery could be risky. How common is this condition? Does it make sense to have the surgery performed?
AWhile laryngeal paralysis, called larpar, is not that uncommon, it can be seen as a congenital or a condition developed later in life. There are a few breeds known to have it early on, like the Bouvier, but in my experience, those with older age onset are often retrievers, with males being more commonly affected than females.
The clinical signs are varied but can include a fair amount of respiratory distress; inspiratory stridor, which is a highpitched sound created when breathing in; tiring easily with exercise; and a change in the sound of the barking.
The diagnosis is properly done by ruling out other problems, so chest radiographs, blood work and sedation to visualize the area are required. One looks at structures in the larynx, known as the arytenoid cartilages. In this condition, they fail to move outward when the dog breathes in, creating the problems noted. While both are often affected, only one is surgically tied back laterally to open up the air passage. Typically speaking, the surgery is often quite beneficial and has a good prognosis. If your veterinarian is recommending it, I suggest you proceed. It will hopefully improve the quality of his life.