New Rescue Dog With Laryngeal Paralysis

[Samson]

So glad that she has found a caring forever home !

[Maxwell Joseph's Mom]

Thank you, Kat...yes, your reply is helpful. The MSU site and study has been very helpful as I've been trying to read everything I can get hold of. My vet feels because Max's breathing is most often fine, that it is "too early" to do the test and possible surgery. My feeling is, especially after all of the reading, that it's when his breathing is NOT fine that's the problem. He has had severe attacks where he wheezes (like an asthma attack) and cannot breath. He pants constantly, which we always attributed to the Cushing's, and he has progressive rear leg weakness (which my vet has already stated is neurological). I am concerned that we will wait too long, and in the meantime he is uncomfortable. It is cold here now, but I know summer will be more of a problem.

In your study, was there any time where it was considered "too early" to do the testing? And what about the rear leg weakness -- any help for that? I read some material that stated Gabapentin used off label was a help for that, as well as accupuncture.

Thank you again...Max is such a good boy, so happy, even through all of this.

Lori and the "big guy"

[Maxwell Joseph's Mom]

I'm wondering if I should start a new thread?? Anyway, Max is scheduled for a surgical exam and possible LP surgery on Wednesday, 2/1. I'm a nervous wreck, but afraid that managing his symptoms is a mistake and that he needs a surgical intervention. Wish it wasn't necessary....

Lori

[kvitaniemi]

Hi Kat! I have a 12 1/2 year old black lab who has suspected LP. He has had a few "attacks" when he is unable to breath) - it has happened when he chases another dog walking by outside or when we go to the vet in attempts to get an x-ray done, stresses himself out and can't get control. I have great concerns about doing the tie back surgery because of his age, and because he is vomits more often than not because he inhales his food. A week ago, we started medication - he is on doxephin and tramadol, and I've added Vitamin E and vitamin b1 as well. It was recommended we either come to MSU or Ohio State to have the scope done to confirm diagnosis, would he even be a good candidate for surgery since he vomits food on a regular basis now.

The noise he makes when he's having an episode is so hard to listen too, but even the noises he's making now without an episode, swallowing or neck gerking when he's swallowing are so hard to watch. He means the world to us, and I don't know how to make the right decision for him. If we opt against surgery, will the medication help at all, or how do you know when you've crossed the line of toward selfish from humane because he is a member of the family. WE LOVE SIMON! He is a member of our family and I want to make the right decision. Any advice would help me greatly.
K.C.

[Maxwell Joseph's Mom]

I'm wondering if I should start a new thread?? Anyway, Max is scheduled for a surgical exam and possible LP surgery on Wednesday, 2/1. I'm a nervous wreck, but afraid that managing his symptoms is a mistake and that he needs a surgical intervention. Wish it wasn't necessary....

Lori

Max had Laryngeal Tieback surgery 3 weeks ago and is doing great! He had sutures removed last week, and we met with the Neurologist after seeing the surgeon. The neuro guy did a thorough exam and suggest several vitamin and mineral supplements for Max, as well as water therapy to get his leg muscles in shape. We did have a bad time right after surgery -- the antibiotics made Max sick and he started vomiting...the surgeon thought he might have aspiration pneumonia, but after a couple of days of just fluids and rest, he was back to himself again. They want him on a acid-reducing medication from now on to reduce his chances of regurgitation.

Max will be 11 years old on March 4th...with a new lease on life. We will do everything we can to help him battle the neuropathy in his legs, but we are so thankful that he can now breathe, and will be able to join us soon on hikes again.

[Icebox42]

Hi K.C. My apologies for taking so long to respond, I'll try to make sure that I check the site more regularly. I hope Simon has been doing ok. With summer quickly approaching, it is prime season for GOLPP to show signs with full force. The fact that he seems to be regurgitating more often is definitely a concern when considering surgery. With regurgitation comes increased possibility that they might aspirate, which is a serious condition as I'm sure you are aware. Because of the risk, we perform esophagrams on all of our GOLPP dogs in order to assess esophageal function prior to surgery. If there is severe dysmotility and/or megaesophagus, the tieback surgery may no longer be the best option. We have had reasonable success putting our dogs on doses of Metoclopramide with or without cisapride and pepcid. These drugs improve esophageal and gastric motility and possibly even gastric reflux. Making "meatballs" of kibble and canned food (about the size of a golfball) also help promote swallowing function. If Simon does a lot of coughing after drinking water, you can try giving him more ice cubes instead of free water.

Of course, if Simon is experiencing severe respiratory compromise, the tieback surgery is absolutely recommended. Age usually isn't a problem as long as they are in good overall health, and they are usually back to normal within a few days. Many owners have reported a revived quality of life after having done the surgery. You'd be surprised at how much being able to breathe can make a difference! But of course it is ultimately up to you on how you want to proceed with his care. Over the summer try to keep him cool and provide regulated physical activity so that he is able to retain as much muscle tone as possible.

You can always refer to the MSU GOLPP website for information, as we will be trying to update it this summer. Again, I'm sorry for the delay in response, but I hope this was helpful.

All the best,
Kat

Hi Kat! I have a 12 1/2 year old black lab who has suspected LP. He has had a few "attacks" when he is unable to breath) - it has happened when he chases another dog walking by outside or when we go to the vet in attempts to get an x-ray done, stresses himself out and can't get control. I have great concerns about doing the tie back surgery because of his age, and because he is vomits more often than not because he inhales his food. A week ago, we started medication - he is on doxephin and tramadol, and I've added Vitamin E and vitamin b1 as well. It was recommended we either come to MSU or Ohio State to have the scope done to confirm diagnosis, would he even be a good candidate for surgery since he vomits food on a regular basis now.

The noise he makes when he's having an episode is so hard to listen too, but even the noises he's making now without an episode, swallowing or neck gerking when he's swallowing are so hard to watch. He means the world to us, and I don't know how to make the right decision for him. If we opt against surgery, will the medication help at all, or how do you know when you've crossed the line of toward selfish from humane because he is a member of the family. WE LOVE SIMON! He is a member of our family and I want to make the right decision. Any advice would help me greatly.
K.C.

[Maxwell Joseph's Mom]

Hi all, Our Max had his LP surgery a few months back and is doing great! Max is 11, a black Lab, who is currently in remission from Cushing's Disease. He can breath again, is able to do short hikes with us, and no longer afraid to go into the water to swim. He does regurgitate water, but I watch him closely for any signs of illness. After his surgery I had a meeting with the staff Neurologist who explained the neurological effects of GOLPP and suggested a bunch of supplements and vitamins to help with his healing and with the instability of his rear legs (he has what the Neuro called the "characteristic LP wobble." I am so glad we had the surgery done because watching him struggle to breath was horrible for us, and I'm sure even worse for him. The only thing hindering his hiking for linger distances is his legs, but that's okay...we'll shorten then up for him. Amazingly, we believe out 12-1/2 year old mixed breed female has GOLPP as well as she's showing signs of knuckling her rear feet, and the same pattern of breathing that Max had. She will see the surgeon soon to see if that is what's going on. If it is, we will opt for the surgery for her as well. (I may have to get a second job to pay for it, but it has made such a difference in Max's life that I can't imagine not doing it for her.)

Just wanted to update everyone and share our experiences with the surgery and the outcome.

Kat, thank you so much for your help in making this important decision for Max -- he's a new man!

Lori and Maxwell Joseph