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Laryngeal paralysis is a progressive airway disorder in which the arytenoid cartilages fail to open normally during inhalation, restricting airflow and making breathing difficult. The condition is most frequently seen in older large-breed dogs, particularly Labrador Retrievers, and is often associated with Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis Polyneuropathy (GOLPP), a broader nerve disorder that can also cause hindlimb weakness, muscle loss, and megaoesophagus.
Laryngeal paralysis is a progressive airway disorder in which the arytenoid cartilages fail to open normally during inhalation, restricting airflow and making breathing difficult. The condition is most frequently seen in older large-breed dogs, particularly Labrador Retrievers, and is often associated with Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis Polyneuropathy (GOLPP), a broader nerve disorder that can also cause hindlimb weakness, muscle loss, and megaoesophagus.
Affected dogs commonly develop a harsh inspiratory noise (stridor), a change in bark, exercise intolerance, and worsening respiratory distress during heat, excitement, or stress. Diagnosis is confirmed by laryngoscopy demonstrating failure of arytenoid abduction during inspiration, while additional tests help identify underlying disease and complications.
Affected dogs commonly develop a harsh inspiratory noise (stridor), a change in bark, exercise intolerance, and worsening respiratory distress during heat, excitement, or stress. Diagnosis is confirmed by laryngoscopy demonstrating failure of arytenoid abduction during inspiration, while additional tests help identify underlying disease and complications.
The gold-standard treatment is unilateral arytenoid lateralisation ("tieback" surgery), which permanently improves airway opening. Long-term management focuses on reducing aspiration risk through feeding modifications, weight control, and activity adjustments. Aspiration pneumonia remains the most important and potentially life-threatening complication following surgery.
The gold-standard treatment is unilateral arytenoid lateralisation ("tieback" surgery), which permanently improves airway opening. Long-term management focuses on reducing aspiration risk through feeding modifications, weight control, and activity adjustments. Aspiration pneumonia remains the most important and potentially life-threatening complication following surgery.
Key Symptoms
Key Symptoms
- Inspiratory stridor (noisy breathing) is the hallmark sign.
- Voice change (dysphonia), often noticed as an altered bark.
- Exercise and heat intolerance due to reduced airflow.
- Respiratory distress or cyanosis during excitement or activity.
- Symptoms typically worsen with heat, stress, or exertion.
- In dogs with GOLPP, additional signs may include hindlimb weakness, muscle atrophy, and megaoesophagus.
Treatment Highlights
Treatment Highlights
- Unilateral arytenoid lateralisation (tieback surgery) is the treatment of choice and permanently improves airway opening.
- Bilateral tieback is not recommended because it greatly increases the risk of aspiration.
- Supportive management includes weight control, avoiding overheating and strenuous exercise, using a harness instead of a collar, and feeding soft food from an elevated position.
- Aspiration pneumonia is the most common and most serious post-operative complication and requires ongoing monitoring.
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