We are lucky enough to have a chocolate Labrador who will be 14 in June. She has been diagnosed as suffering from laryngeal paralysis. At her age, we do not think that we want to put her through the operation for a tie back or the after effects. Does anyone have any experience of this and any suggestions to relieve the symptoms Thanks in advance
Yes my old boy had lp for about 6 years before he died. I didn't have the opp because he was too frail and had other health problems. I avoided extremes in temp. Heat made him worse so he had access to a paddling pool when I was there and wet towels to lie on when I was not. I restricted his exercise took him for hydrotherapy once a week. Got access to air con for him. Careful with his food no raw hide on anything that he could choke on. Pay attention to his coughing as some times food can go into their lungs. Speak to a knowledgeable vet some arent. Be prepared for a worsening of the condition and be patient while they stabilise. Get used to the ebb and flow of the condition. How old is she and does she have any problems with muscle wastage in her back end or spinal degeneration? My dog was called Doug and he lived well and happily despite this condition. Once you get used to it and understand whats happening its fine.
Check out the thread in the Labrador Chat section. This was just discussed a week or so ago. We had a 14 yr old lab that we did have the surgery done. It worked out well.
OK. For anyone looking into having a laryngeal tieback for an older dog, we can now let you know how we got on. Firstly, so that you know, the cost was £2,766.73 + £553.36 VAT - a total of £3,320.09. Secondly, was it worth it? 4 days in, it was worth every penny Katie is almost 14 and was a rescue who we subsequently found out was abused and originated from a Welsh puppy farm via a local dealer. She has some hip dysplasia and arthritis. Because of this, she has been going to hydrotherapy for some years and this has meant that actually she is a very fit dog. Although she had some fake papers implying she was a pedigree, her build is not right - she is too long - and the specialist vet said that it was to her advantage to have mixed genes and not be interbred. As her breathing was becoming distressed, they changed their mind and operated immediately on Thursday rather than Friday as proposed. After the operation, they told us that her breathing immediately improved. We collected her Friday and haven't looked back Minimal exercise at the moment until the sutures come out in 12 days time. Bearing in mind that we have a mini heatwave at the moment, no signs of breathing problems at the moment. She had a 10 minute walk this morning with no adverse after effects. At the moment 4 smaller meals a day in a slow food bowl. No necessity for a buster collar because of where it is. Realise it's only early days, but currently couldn't be happier with our decision. ONLY THING I WOULD SAY, GO TO A SPECIALIST VET WHO HAS DONE IT MANY TIMES BEFORE. HE EXUDED CONFIDENCE. I ACTUALLY ASKED HIM OUTRIGHT, "ARE YOU ANY GOOD AT DOING THIS OPERATION?". THE WAY IN WHICH HE ANSWERED CONVINCED ME THAT HE WAS. Hope this may help someone searching for info in the future
Glad everything went well for Katie, and thanks for this very helpful write-up. Good luck with her continuing recovery.
Forgot to say water and food in raised bowls and no treats at the moment because of the risk of aspiration pneumonia. It is manageable though
Thank you for letting us know and I am pleased that so far the operation looks to have been very successful. I am particularly interested as when my dog was younger a man pulled him up by his lead and hung him by his throat and since then he does tend to cough at times, so I have been concerned that he might have Laryngeal paralysis when he is older. It is good to know that an op is possible.
You may have to overcome objections Stacia. Our vet said "she won't thank you for it". I suspect that actually if she could, she would. The tail wagging has been enough
