OT need input on larnyx paralysis in my best girl

[RJ Jose]

Sorry if this is the wrong place for this topic, but I feel with so many people with hunting dogs on this board, somebody's dealt with this before.
My oldest setter, Kate, 11yrs.old, Ryman/Pinecoble cross, has been diagnosed with larnyx paralysis, a condition where the nerves controling the opening of the windpipe quit responding and it becomes increasingly closed with time. He said this will probably require her to be put down in the future as she is healthy in all other aspects.
My question is: how fast does it progress, she wheeze's if I run her and the temp is 60. Also the Vet say's there is a operation to open the airway but in his observation the sucess is less than I would expect and the stress of operating on a 11 year old dog would be something to consider.
Have any fellow Parker hunters encountered this, and can offer any insight? I guess it's quite common in large breed dogs. RJ

[Terry Lubzinski]

Hello RJ, We have a 14 1/2 year old female chocolate lab (Purdey) that had the problem arise when she was 11 1/2. She started showing signs of shortness of breath when she was exercising and it got progressively worse over about 6 months to the point that her tongue was turning blue from lack of oxygen. Finally our vet diagnosed it as laryngeal paralysis. As you mentioned there is an operation where one side of the entrance to the airway is tied back so the airway is continually open. This allows the air to flow and eliminates the restriction and the problem, however there can be a problem with foreign matter entering the windpipe or lungs and causing pneumonia.We had the operation done (quite specialized and expensive $3-4,000 ) and she is still with us, although,because I am
an avid duck and goose hunter usually over water, her hunting days were over as the danger of inhaling water etc. was too great. If your dog is wheezing now it may only be 1-3 months before it becomes critical.The operation was successful on our girl and we have not had an issue with pneumonia however she does continually clear her throat after drinking and occasionally, eating. If you Google Laryngeal Paralysis you will get a bunch of info. Hope this helps, good luck. Terry

[Russ Jackson]

RJ,Sorry to hear of your Dogs breathing condition ,Our Hunting dog and best friend came down with this problem about a year ago ,we are located in Pa.,Don't know where you are but we took Maggie down to AVets in Monroeville and they opened her up and stiched the flap of her wind pipe back on one side to open up her air passage ,a very successful surgery and was assured before surgery it would be ,I guess it is a some what common problem ? As Terry said ,not inexpensive ,we had around $2700.00 in Maggies surgery ,and it really changes her voice ,when she barks it sounds very muffled ,and she will choke a little if sometimes when she drinks ,the Dr. said both things would be so and they are ,we were ,and are very pleased we elected to do the surgery ,she was so weak she couldn't walk ,we carried her in and two days later she trotted out ! I ,being raised on a farm am not one for large Vet bills for older dogs ,But ,Maggie is truley an exceptional Dog ,and has been a very wonderful member of our family since my Daughter was a little girl ,and an exceptional hunting Dog for 13 years before her surgery and my reasoning was and is ,If she could give so much to me ,I could surely give a little back ,and I am sure glad I did ! We retired her from field work but mostly from age ,her breathing is fine ! Hope this long dissertation helps with your decision ! Russ

[Dale Meyer]

RJ, we had a GSP who developed a larynx problem at about 11. A specialist vet recommended trying thyroid medication. We did and in a few months the problem was much resolved.

He lived for about 2 more years. Hope you find a resolution to your problem. Dale

[RJ Jose]

If you would be so kind as to elaborate as to the thyroid treatment. It sounds like the coarse of treatment I'd like to pursue at this time. Right now we're in a watchful waiting mode until conditions force a choice in treatment. Thanks alot, RJ

[Chuck Heald]

RJ, Sorry to hear of your medical issues with your dog. I was really surprised by the number of other cases mentioned here. But I'm pleasantly surprised by the number of guys that elected to pay for such a surgery. We spend a lot on guns and it would not give me any pause to spend such amounts on my Lab. In fact, within a month or two of buying my started dog, she developed a problem requiring surgery costing me close to $4000. I had a health guarantee for the first year that covered the issue. The guarantee required returning the dog. I elected to pay for the surgery on my own.

[Trigg Davis]

My persomal experience is simple; the sugery works. I would do it. I think this condition is particularly common in labs. I have a Newfoundland who had it done a couple years ago and he gets his daily exercise now. He could nat have continued withou it.

I spent the afternoon coincidentaly talking aoubt this kind of surgery with a veterinarian friend. He has had lots of success with it. He described cases of dogs being brought in essentailly turning blue and needing it on an emrgency basis. Pehaps you should get a second opinion and be careful to find a veterinarian with considrable expereince with this. Perhaps your dog has other issues that make it seem it is not worth while but you may want to get it figured out befor any emergency.

I wish you and your dog the best.

Trigg

[Dale Meyer]

RJ, we had our GSP blood tested for thyroid function and found some deficiency. We began medicating him with soloxine, a thyroid medication. He began to improve, and in about 3 months the condition was much resolved.

This testing is certainly worth a try and may avoid a surgical procedure.

Good luck with your girl!

Dale