Hi, im new here and im hoping you all can help me. I have a beautiful 7yr old Black Labrador, Bella, and the vet has just told us she has Laryngeal Paralysis. She's gagging and retching so much. I was wondering if anyone here has had experience with this. It is so heart breaking to watch her.
I can imagine that is horrible to watch. I have no experience to help you with. What is the available treatment for her?
Our first Lab. Ginger, was diagnosed with Laryngeal Paralysis at 14. We had the surgery done and she lived to 16, with no issues from the surgery, other than she could not bark. FWIW she became diabetic at 12 and was well controlled on insulin. The LP surgery was very easy and she recovered quickly, especially considering her age. Check the LP thread in Senior Labs also.
My lab has also been recently diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis. She is 14 years but loving life and so I want to do whatever I can for her. I live in the South West and am wondering where I should get a referral to? I went to my vets today but they had limited experience of LP surgery (unfortunately I ended up seeing a recently qualified vet). Has anyone any recommendations? I don't mind travelling if it means having a better chance/experience for my gorgeous girl!
Unfortunately Ginger's LP surgery was over 20 years ago, so I have no specific recommendations, but you do want a specialist. As I said earlier the recovery was quick and the after affects pretty minor. It was worth doing at 14 in our case.
My dog also has LP. She's always been very slim so it doesn't affect her too badly in the coughing dept except on hot days. Especially in the winter she is almost normal. She's always been very fit despite the LP (except she's just been diagnosed with cancer :'(). She is 17 (18 in Oct). My LP tips would be: Keep your dog very slim & fit. Feed them a nutritious diet with no yucky human junk food treats. Make sure your dog isn't overheating. (Make sure they have a cool place to rest. That you have fans and/or aircon for them in hot weather. Don't take them out in the hot sun. Only take them for short walks in the sun if you have to and use a cooling coat. Go out at times of day when it's still cool or has become cool.) 16 degrees celcius and above (60.8f i think) me and Sam feel very uncomfy and find ways to work round that. Make sure you do physiotherapy to keep their back end strong because laryngeal paralysis also can affect their back ends. I think that often people assume some coughing and snoring and back end probs is something else but is actually down to LP. Here are some links to helpful physio exercises: https://cvm.msu.edu/scs/research-initiatives/golpp/rehabilitation-therapy and https://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/6-rehab-exercises-your-handicapped-dog-can-do-at-home/ The main exercises I do with Sam to keep her back end in working order (and they really help, and very quickly) are: (By the way I use treats to encourage her, and guide her with my hands so she's stable). Calling her forward then getting her to step backwards 5 times (repeated twice). Getting her to side step 5 times each side (repeated twice). Getting her to sit, lie down, then stand up (twice). Doing "balance" where you gently sort of rock or push them slightly so they have to adjust their balance. Then give her lots of praise and a treat. Also as a slight weight bearing activity to keep her muscles and bones strong, and give her a little job to do, she sometimes carries the post to the post box in little bags for me. She loves doing that. Sorry if I explained this badly, hope I didn't miss anything out. Currently can't think straight as my poor pup's been diagnosed with cancer. Best wishes for you and your pup, couldn't see this post and not comment in case it helped. Jack --- I used to post on here years ago but forgot the log in details so have made a new account.
My 11 yo lab was diagnosed with larpar in December 2020 and had tie-back surgery done at the Colorado State University vet school. It was top notch care, they knew what to do, and the surgery went well. Unfortunately, it is a progressive condition, but my lab is doing well, at home, taking walks and is happy.
