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What is Laryngeal Paralysis?
Laryngeal Paralysis is a condition that happens when there is a collapse of the muscle or tissue surrounding the larynx causing poor breathing in the affected dog. This development can be partial or complete and actually gets worse over time. It’s a gradually-debilitating condition that can turn fatal if not arrested on time. If dog breathing issues in hot weather is reoccurring in your dog, you might want to check for laryngeal paralysis as soon as possible. Take the animal to Safari Veterinary Care Centers for an examination and accurate diagnosis.
Laryngeal paralysis in dogs is often characterized by noisy respiration, coughing, loss of interest in physical activity, change in barking sound, among others. Usually, an observant pet parent can detect within a few days or weeks if there’s a change in the way their dog barks. If observed, kindly schedule a visit to the vet to investigate the development further.
Signs and Symptoms of Laryngeal Paralysis
Laryngeal paralysis doesn’t happen immediately in a dog; it is gradual and worsens with time. While older dogs are more prone to the condition, laryngeal paralysis in puppies is also a thing. However, like every health condition, it is typically characterized by certain signs and symptoms. These symptoms will take a while to deteriorate before leading to a fatality in the affected animal.
When detected early, laryngeal paralysis surgery is a treatment procedure with a remarkable success rate. As much as there are no guarantees in treating laryngeal paralysis in dogs, but the prognosis after treatment with surgery is often quite positive. Therefore, the chances of full recovery from this condition are on the high side.
If you suspect your dog may be suffering from laryngeal paralysis, watch for the following laryngeal paralysis in dogs
- Development of fast breathing over a period of time (that wasn’t present before)
- Unexplained coughing and gagging even with no visible exertion or stress
- Noisy, raspy breathing
- Fainting or loss of consciousness with no evident trigger
- Marked change in barking tone or completely new vocalization
- Build-up of above symptoms during summer
Consider it an emergency to visit an animal hospital to see a vet if one or a combination of these symptoms is observed in your pup. Please note that there is no cure but stent placement for laryngeal paralysis is the surgery treatment capable of resolving it so your dog can live with relative ease.
The Relationship between Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs and Summer Time
While many dog parents initially do not understand the condition, the connection between summer heat and dog breathing problems is quite simple when explained. Summer time comes with an increase in temperature in the environment. The hot weather reduces humidity in the atmosphere making it more difficult for dogs to breathe. With the temperature increasingly hotter, a dog’s larynx can get irritated and inflamed leading to a progressive deterioration over time if conditions persist.
Prolonged exposure to such harsh weather conditions will worsen the larynx irritation. Lack of water to rehydrate properly plus exhaustion can break down the larynx after a while. Some pet owners who didn’t notice this development on time have often lost their furry child to dog paralysis initially triggered by the climate.
Possible Treatments Options for Laryngeal Paralysis
Laryngeal paralysis can be a very risky condition that can kill a dog if not treated on time. It can lead to a near-fatal situation and it’s normal for pet parents to be alarmed when it’s discovered. Speedy veterinary treatment using stent placement for laryngeal paralysis usually works.
The above procedure is a surgical operation where the collapsed larynx is worked on and provided supported to encourage free passage of air. Certain medications can also be used to inhibit inflammation of the larynx to soothe discomfort and breathing difficulty.
Dog breathing issues in hot weather can be a case of laryngeal paralysis in dogs. However, only a physical examination by a vet can correct diagnose this condition. We encourage pet parents to be more observant of their pets during the summer months.
If there are concerns over your dog’s breathing, a visit to the pet clinic is recommended. With early diagnosis, treatment for laryngeal paralysis in dogs and 100% recovery is possible.
Contact us at Safari Veterinary Care Centers for any concerns about your pet’s health.
Read More – Safarivet: One of the Few Clinics Treating Laryngeal Paralysis in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes laryngeal paralysis in dogs more fatal in summer?
Heat makes laryngeal paralysis more dangerous for dogs in summer. Dogs sweat by panting and the laryngeal paralysis condition makes breathing difficult which means the dog will struggle to cool off. Dogs affected by it find breathing challenging, and can affect dog paralysis from breathe loss and even heatstroke
What are the signs to look out for in dogs experiencing heat-triggered laryngeal paralysis?
Expect to see such dogs struggling to breath, noisy breathing and coughing, unwillingness to be physically active, too much panting, change of barking tone. Dog paralysis, heatstroke and even death in severe cases are some more signs.
How can I save my dog from laryngeal paralysis during summer?
In summer, when temperatures are high, keep your dogs indoors to protect it from the heat . Do not leave dogs in parked cars, locked in. Keep water close by, as well as a shade if your dog must be outside. Do not walk your pup in the heat.
Can my dog exercise in summer if it has laryngeal paralysis?
While exercise is important, it is not a must for a dog suffering this condition. If it must be done, ensure strict monitoring and only easy programs that do not overly stress the animal. Do not push the dog too hard while at it and stop if the animal is struggling to cope
Can laryngeal paralysis get worse if temperatures remain high?
The short answer is yes. If heat keeps inflaming the larynx, making breathing difficult, then yes, it can get worse. Please take your pets indoors if the heat outside is proving detrimental to their health. An air-conditioned interior can do wonders for a struggling dog.
