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
|