Possible triggers of laryngitis in dogs
If your dog suffers from laryngitis, this can have various reasons. Usually it is the result of an irritation that allows viruses and bacteria to spread in the larynx and promote the development of an inflammation.
Any underlying cause needs to be treated, as well as concurrent conditions. Treatments can include anti-inflammatories to reduce the swelling, often along with systemic antibiotics. Diuretic drugs can be prescribed to eliminate fluid from the larynx and lungs. Cough suppressants and bronchodilators, which create bronchodilation and may reduce swelling, can be used. Antiparasitics, antimicrobials, and antacids are given as needed. Any heart or lung disease, abnormality, or cancer is treated appropriately.
Thank you for your question. If these are new behaviors that you are noticing, I would be a little concerned, yes. It would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine your pet and see what might be causing this, and let you know what treatment might help.
Thank you for your question. She may be having a problem with kennel cough, as it is contagious and common in puppies if they are not vaccinated for it. If she is still having this problem, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them and see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.
Laryngitis is the condition of an inflamed larynx, often caused by an infection. The larynx, or voice box, is the cartilage that prevents choking by closing off the trachea during swallowing. Laryngitis usually starts with a dry cough, but as the fluid builds up and the swelling of the larynx increases, it can affect the heart rate, breathing, and can lead to respiratory distress if not treated.Youtube Play
Help your veterinarian correctly diagnose your dog by reporting any symptoms you’ve noticed. Other information such as your dog’s breed, travel history, environment, medical history and medications taken, any incidences of trauma, vocal changes, and any contact with other animals can help your veterinarian come to a diagnosis of laryngitis. A definite diagnosis can be made based on these factors, a physical examination, an exam of the larynx, test results, and your dog’s response to any treatment. Your veterinarian will also observe your dog’s respiration.
Do certain breeds more commonly develop laryngeal paralysis?
The most commonly affected breed for acquired laryngeal paralysis is the Labrador Retriever. The congenital form is seen in Bouvier des Flandres, Siberian Huskies, Bull Terriers, and Dalmatians, and clinical signs usually occur at an early age in these breeds.
Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs
The larynx or voice box is composed of a series of separate plates of cartilage that form a box in the throat. Its most important function is to close off the trachea (windpipe) and lungs while eating and drinking. It opens wider if a deep breath is needed.
The stability of this box is maintained by the laryngeal muscles. When the nerves of these muscles become weak (paretic) or paralyzed, the muscles relax, and the cartilages tend to collapse inwards, resulting in laryngeal paralysis.
Cases of laryngeal paralysis can occur for many different reasons. Trauma to the throat or neck can cause laryngeal paralysis. Tumors or space-occupying lesions in the neck or chest area can also cause this condition. Endocrine (hormonal) diseases, such as hypothyroidism and Cushings disease, have also been associated with laryngeal paralysis in dogs, although treatment for these diseases generally does not improve the actual degree of laryngeal paralysis. Some dogs are born with congenital laryngeal paralysis.
Recent studies have led to the conclusion that most dogs with acquired laryngeal paralysis have a neuromuscular disease, and that this is one of the first signs of the disease. The term geriatric onset laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy (GOLPP) has been developed to describe this. In many of these cases, the leg muscles will become weak over time, and the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach) will become flaccid and distended (called megaesophagus). The leg muscle weakness, however, is generally slow to occur, and the dog may never develop these signs before living out its normal lifespan. The chance of developing megaesophagus, however, is about 21 times more likely than in dogs not suffering from GOLPP.