Becomes one in a dog laryngeal paralysis diagnosed, this is bad news for his people. It quickly comes to mind to redeem and put him to sleep.
In this guide you will find out whether there are alternatives, how laryngeal paralysis occurs and whether and how you can help your dog.
In a nutshell: Laryngeal paralysis in dogs – operate or put to sleep?
Was a diagnosis made about a laryngeal paralysis in your dog, it is best to discuss the next steps with your veterinarian.
Depending on the stage and progress of the disease, it can be treated and treated. In most cases, an operation makes sense. Of course, this also depends on the age and general condition of the dog.
If treatment or surgery is unsuccessful, euthanasia is an alternative, but it should be carefully considered.
Causes and symptoms of laryngeal paralysis in dogs
Laryngeal paralysis does not appear out of nowhere. You usually go one laryngitis in advance.
If this remains untreated and is delayed and, in the worst case, the causes of the inflammation are not eliminated, the inflammation can develop into paralysis.
Possible triggers for laryngitis in dogs can be:
- constant barking overloads the vocal cords
- Increased inhalation of gas, dust particles or smoke for a long period of time
- A too tight collarwhich constantly presses on the dog’s larynx
- Frequent and strong pulling on the leashwhich is transmitted to the collar and thus to the larynx
- Untreated problems with the esophagus
Symptoms of laryngitis and paralysis include a hoarse barking, choking and coughingespecially after eating as well condition weakness and a increasingly difficult breathing.
Other causes have not yet been fully researched, but it is suspected that hormonal diseases such as a hypothyroidism or immune diseases can lead to laryngeal paralysis.
Disease progression and life expectancy in laryngeal paralysis
In the case of laryngeal paralysis, the first sign is often a voice change perceived by a softer and hoarse barking expresses. increased choking and coughing can be observed above all during the feed intake.
As the disease progresses, the dog noticeably weaker and loses condition. That too Breathing becomes increasingly difficult. The course of the disease can creep up over months and years.
The dog owner often only notices the disease when the dog unusual breath sounds shows. At this point, however, the disease is already far advanced.
influences like heat, exertion, or excitement can then become a strong shortness of breath lead to a blue discoloration of the mucous membranes of the mouth, collapse and even unconsciousness.
Still, laryngeal paralysis often goes undetected and the dog is mistakenly treated for heart disease.
Due to the gradual progression of the disease, a deviation in the normal life expectancy of the dog cannot be quantified.
What can I do for my dog?
It is best, of course, laryngitis and paralysis to prevent. A small, smoke-filled booth is just as much a no-go for the dog as a collar that is much too tight and that the dog may wear 24 hours a day.
Frequent loud barking and pulling on the leash you should break the habit of your dog, if necessary with the help of a dog trainer.
If you have a disease of the larynx, whether it is inflammation or paralysis, you should have one Consult a veterinarian.
Laryngeal paralysis can hardly be treated naturally. Medications that relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath usually require a prescription and can cause further problems if used improperly.
You can help your dog yourself by possibly activities and your dog no stress suspends.
dietary supplements such as Rescue Remedy or a DAP collar release soothing pheromones and thus ease the discomfort a little.
Treatment methods for laryngeal paralysis in dogs
Drug treatment can reduce the symptoms of laryngeal paralysis, but does not eliminate the cause.
Without surgery, a purely drug-based treatment will not lead to success.
During an operation, the vocal folds are stretched and fixed to a laryngeal cartilage. This widens the opening between the vocal folds. As a result, the dog gets better air and can breathe more freely.
This procedure usually takes about 30 minutes and has a success rate of over 90 percent. The four-legged patient can often go home the same day or the next.
Depending on the size of the dog, the surgical costs for the procedure, including all preliminary examinations and aftercare, are between 1700 and 2500 euros.
Conclusion
The only alternative to euthanasia for laryngeal paralysis is surgery. Drug treatment only relieves the symptoms.
Of course, euthanizing or not also depends on the age of the dog, its general condition and the progression of the disease.
The costs of the operation are of course very steep for a 30-minute procedure and operations of this type are only carried out by specialized veterinarians. But the cost should not be a deciding factor.
If you have had good or bad experiences with your dog on this topic, we would be very happy to receive a comment.