Support system

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!)