My veteran female labrador Fudge has been finding it difficult to breathe and has not been able to walk far for the past week. She makes awful rasping sounds when walking and her lungs are like bellows, working extra hard and she is secreting excess saliva through her nose and mouth (whilst walking). I took her to the vets today and the problem is apparently her larynx. I was given some steroids and painkillers, but the vet is sceptical that medication will change her condition. I was then given the shocking news that the ailment would likely intensify as the warmer weather arrives and my family 'would probably have to make a decision' at this time. Obviously I was very shocked and saddened to hear this (lots of tears have flowed!) Does anyone now of any natural remedies to aid breathing? Or have any other advice? Fudge is eating well, happy to wander into the garden to pay a call and is still wagging her tail.... I cannot bear to think about losing another member of our family (see Rainbow Bridge re loss of my beloved Teddy)
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab So sorry to hear about Fudge's breathing problem :'( I hope you manage to find some relief for her x
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab What awful news to digest :'( Exactly what is going on with her larynx? My old Lab developed a strange behaviour as he got older - he kept violently clearing his throat as if he was simultaneously gagging and roaring. The problem was that the soft tissue at the back of his soft palate had become kind of saggy with age and it felt to him like he constantly had something in his throat. He had this condition for about 4 years till he passed away at 14. Is this the kind of thing that the vet meant...? Or is it a growth of some kind? What about the warmer weather will make it worse? Extra humidity? It that's it, maybe a dehumidifier for your house? If it's just the heat that's the problem, perhaps an air conditioning unit?
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab I so wish I had some useful advice for you - but I don't . I am so sorry you are facing this stressful time so soon after losing Teddy, and I really hope you find something that will make Fudge more comfy, and things don't get any worse. Sending you my best wishes and hopes for a good outcome.
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab Sorry, no insight here either, just sympathy and hopes that you can get some more info on what is going on, and maybe come up with some type of treatment or management strategy.
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab I am so sorry to hear this too. No experience other than with a friends boxers who both needed padding on their collars otherwise they were likely to vollapse on pulling but I know not the same thing. Just really hoping this turns out better for you than you are thinking at the moment xx
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab So sorry to hear this. No advice either I'm afraid, just wanted to say I hope you manage to get the medication sorted to make things easier for Fudge.
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab A friend who also happened to be a retired vet, had this problem with his old Labrador and I am afraid he eventually had to be put to sleep. However, keep your fingers crossed, it might not get any worse and if you can, keep him cool in the summer. I am so sorry to hear your news and having recently lost an old dog, can empathise with what you are feeling.
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab I'm sorry but I've had no experience of Fudges problem. Just want to wish you and Fudge all the best and hope that medication helps. Jen xx
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab Caroline,I'm awfully sorry to read about fudge........ :'( I can't help you with anything practical I'm sorry ,but just wanted to acknowledge your post xxxx
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab My old black Giant Schnauzer, Yanni, had a damaged larynx with very similar symptoms. We took him to Langport Vet School where he had a hideously expensive operation that 100% cured the problem but he was only 8. I imported him from Italy so he had cropped ears and a docked tail .... but .... he had also been de-barked which had apparently been done badly causing the larynx problem. Bless him he would bark silently and all you'd hear was the huge teeth snapping together. He also silently howled whenever he heard church bells. Dear old fells that had a much nicer last few years than his youth in Italy (I'm pro docking but totally anti ear cropping and de-barking!!)
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab Oh dear Caroline, so sorry to hear about Fudge's breathing problems I don't know much about this condition, but hope the vet is wrong and the medication improves things.
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab Thank you so much for your replies. Unfortunately the steroid tablets (I only gave one dose) have given Fudge awful diarrhoea and she is obviously distressed with that. We called the vets for advice and they said to stop the medication and take her for another check up if her stomach is no better tomorrow. I have given her some bland food, which she has eaten. She is now asleep in front of the fire and is sleeping happily with our puppy Buddy curled up beside her. Fudge's breathing does not seem to affect her when she is asleep, only when she starts to walk. The vet is of the opinion that her larynx has collapsed/ degenerated and that an operation to fix it would not be wise at her age. I'm just hoping that her tummy is better tomorrow and the sun shines for her to lie in the garden and relax. Fingers crossed....
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab Sounds nice and peaceful right now So I see, with the collapsed larynx, she just can't get enough air through when she's active. Is the risk with warmer weather related to overheating, as she can't pant enough? Hope it goes well at the vet's tomorrow and that you have beautiful weather.
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab Since Fudge has been on the rice, chicken and scrambled egg (latter is her favourite!) her tummy is much better. I just telephoned the vets for advice as I did not want to distress her further by taking her in again. The advice was to stop the steroids if they disagreed with her stomach. I've got to say that her breathing has not been as bad the past couple of days as I have only taken her on the shortest of walks, otherwise she has been laying in the garden (enjoying the sunshine) while I have walked Buddy. She moved to a shadier spot when too hot, so did not pant at all (panting is what the vet thinks will make her larynx condition worse). I just want to make her as comfortable as possible. I love her so much!
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab You are doing a brilliant job. She loves you just as much. Great to hear that the tummy problem has settled and you've found a way to manage her breathing.
Re: Larynx problem in 13 year old lab When my dogs got really old, they didn't need to go for much of a walk anymore. Just some time out in the garden, relaxing in the sun, and a short toddle to the edge of the wood to sniff and sniff. Oh yes, and then sniff some more : I think that as long as she has a cool place for hot days, she will be ok just bumbling around in the garden.
