Laryngeal Paralysis (Lar Par) in Dogs: Treatment and Prevention Tips – Safarivet

Common Causes of Laryngeal Paralysis

• Age

  The older a dog gets, the weaker its muscles become – this is purely a function of aging. At advance ages, some dogs might end up damaging their voice box accidentally. Laryngeal paralysis can therefore occur, as the laryngeal tissue becomes weaker due to age. Comparatively, laryngeal paralysis in puppies is on the low spectrum and rarely does it happen.

• Breed

  Typically, large breeds of dogs are prone to laryngeal paralysis. Dogs like Golden retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds, Great Pyrenees, St Bernard, Great Danes, Rottweilers, are susceptible to Lar Par. Dogs cool their temperature by panting, big dogs exert themselves more to pant, which puts pressure on the larynx. Therefore, the incidence of laryngeal paralysis seems to occur more in these large breeds. Combined with age, it’s a high probability for Lar Par to happen in a large breed of dog.

• Use of Certain Dog Collars

  Laryngeal paralysis can happen by accident due to the use of certain types of dog collars. Any sort of dog collar that chokes or exerts pressure on a dog’s throat can cause Lar Par in dogs. While on a leash, large breeds of dog are wont to pull, when they do this, the pressure on the already-suspect increases. Choke collars, prong collars and shock collars can cause harm to a dog’s larynx simply through their mechanical function. Preventing laryngeal paralysis in dogs is as simple as not using these types of collars.

Prevention Tips for Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs

Prevention, they say is better than cure and as cliché as that sounds, it’s nonetheless true. Preventing laryngeal paralysis in dogs is by following specific tips that can reduce the probability of occurrence. Below are some tips to consider:

1. Regular checkups at the Vet

   Visit us at Safari Veterinary Care Centers or any animal clinic in your area for checks every few months. If you own a large breed or one older than 7 years, visit the vet doctor on a quarterly basis. Run blood tests, x-rays and other check-ups, the older your dog gets.

2. Be an observant pet parent

   Run personal physical checks on your dog for any anomalies. Visual observation can reveal a lot if done with a keen eye. Look out for any behavior or action that looks weird and different from how your dog usually acts. Get in touch with a pet vet as soon as possible if anything unusual is observed.

3. Proper feeding can make a difference

   Feed your pet with a natural diet, rich in nutrients. Certain meals can boost your dog’s body against the deteriorating effects of age and even poor genetics. Healthy feeding doesn’t stop laryngeal paralysis in dogs but it can help in maintain overall good health which is a good thing.

4. Avoid certain types of collars

   Rather than use a collar, we recommend using a chest/back harness where the pressure when walking the dog is on the chest rather than the throat/neck. Avoid using a prong or shock collar as these types exert pressure on the larynx when in use. Dog laryngeal paralysis treatment is not guaranteed to resolve Lar Par so it’s important to prevent it by any means possible in the first place.

5. Avoid certain physical activity

   Do not involve your pup in rough playtime activity where you have to pull them by the neck. Be it tug of war or them being lifted in the air holding onto an item by mouth, please avoid such activities.

Treatment of Laryngeal Paralysis

Treating Lar Par in dogs is not impossible; it’s simply a coin toss sometimes. While there’s no cure for this condition, treatment works when done right by a specialist with the right experience and skill-set. Safari Veterinary Care Centers offers an advanced surgical treatment using stent placement for laryngeal paralysis.

Treatment for laryngeal paralysis can come in the form of:

• Surgical procedure to support and improve the laryngeal structure
• Medications to reduce inflammation in the larynx, trachea and the rest of the respiratory apparatus
• Ensure your dog doesn’t spend a lot of time in hot areas, especially the outdoors.

For all pet care concerns, both for Laryngeal Paralysis and other health conditions, Safari Veterinary Care Centers provides professional treatment that works safely. Our team of specialists is available to attend to your pet to relieve pain symptoms and resolve health challenges using some of the most advanced procedures in veterinary medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions