Angus, our 12-year-old crossbreed, has just been diagnosed with Partial Laryngeal Paralysis. He has no real symptoms other than sometimes a hoarse bark (he barked when at the vet's for his booster which was what led to the diagnosis) and a very occasional cough. His hind legs, which the vet says are linked to this condition, are perfectly normal.
Does anyone know if there is anything we can do to support him? We wondered if a raised bowl would be any good?
Also is deterioration usually slow or quick? The vet has told us that surgery will be available if necessary so long as he remains well. He is a healthy 26kgs, fit, active and usually taken to be a lot younger than his real age.
Susan and Jeff Munro, Washington, Tyne and Wear
Richard Allport, alternative vet. says...
A hoarse bark is indeed often the first sign of Laryngeal Paralysis (LP) which is a neurological condition in which the nerves that control the opening and closing of the larynx (voice box) progressively deteriorate, leading to the hoarse bark, and also excessive panting, difficulty in breathing and inability to exercise. It can only be properly diagnosed by examining the larynx under a mild anaesthetic, and a hoarse bark could be present for other reasons, but LP is the likeliest cause. It is most often seen in older, larger breeds of dog.
There is some controversy over whether or not LP is linked to hindquarter nerve deterioration. Not all dogs affected by LP get hind leg symptoms, but some do, however this may be coincidental. Hypothyroidism has also been linked to LP, again there is so far no clear proof of a connection.
If the condition does get worse, usually an operation is necessary – this ‘ties back’ the folds of the larynx that open and close. Although surgery is usually successful, any operation carries a degree of risk, and sometimes natural medicines can be effective. Supplements of high strength Vitamin E, and Zinc, together with homoeopathic remedies such as Causticum, Ignatia, Conium, Cuprum met (and others – choice depends on individual factors) can work well. It’s also vital to ensure affected dogs don’t become overweight and it helps to change from a collar to a harness.
Raising the food bowl probably won’t help unless an affected dog also has megoesophagus, a condition which is more common in dogs with LP.
Good luck to Angus, let’s hope he stays a Shetland (just a little hoarse!)
Hi
ReplyDeleteI had a collie cross lurcher who had a persistant cough for years. After 2 trips to Cambridge vet college, it was discovered that both sides of his larynx were paralysed. His cough was far worse if he panted a lot so we had to be careful in hot weather and also didn't let him run about madly, unless we were near water, which he loved laying in. I wouldn't say that other then when he panted heavily, his cough ever deteriorated, it stayed the same right up until the time we had to say goodbye.
He lived to be 14 and was PTS when the pain of bone cancer to his front leg became too much for him, other then cancer (and the cough) he didn't have any other health problems and was very stable on his hind legs.
Hope all goes well and that Angus lives a long and happy life.
Michelle
Try and keep him cool when the weather is hot - the keep cool type coats work well - and don't allow him to exercise madly in the heat either.
ReplyDeleteAs with any degenerative condition you should ensure he is on a high quality food which is low in fat and protein. It is possible that teh condition is cause or aggravated by undiagnosed food allergy or intolerance so he should have a hypoallergenic-type food i.e. few ingredients which are named rather than "cereals, animal derivatives etc" Also feed as sparingly as possible that is very important.
ReplyDeleteJohn Burns BVMS MRCVS
Burns Pet Nutrition
Can I suggest some Bowen therapy? Bowen can help with re balancing and realigning the body, and as therapists we very often treat people with respiratory problems. I have human clients with ashtma and respiratory problems that benefit from Bowen treatmennt. My point here is that as Bowen therapists we do not diagnose conditions or treat conditions.The body is well aware of what it needs;therefore Bowen can often help when other therapies do not seem "appropriate". If you would like to discuss Angus's problem with a canine Bowen therapist close to you I am sure they would be able to help. Find more information and a therapist close to you by going to www.caninebowentechnique.com
ReplyDelete