Laryngeal Paralysis and Hind End Weakness in Dogs

Laryngeal paralysis and hind end weakness in dogs can be a challenging condition to diagnose and manage.

This condition often affects older dogs, with the average age of onset being around 8-10 years.

Symptoms can vary in severity and may include difficulty breathing, coughing, and a characteristic "stridor" sound when the dog breathes in.

Laryngeal paralysis can lead to aspiration of food and water into the lungs, which can cause pneumonia and other respiratory complications.

Dogs with hind end weakness may exhibit a characteristic "bunny hop" gait due to their inability to extend their hind legs properly.

For another approach, see: What to Feed a Dog with Laryngeal Paralysis

Hind-leg weakness is a common symptom in dogs, and it's essential to understand the possible causes to provide the best care for your furry friend. Chronic joint inflammation and pain, particularly osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, are the main orthopedic causes of hind-limb weakness.

Arthritis often affects older dogs due to wear and tear on the joints, while overweight dogs bear an additional burden due to excess stress on their joints. Hip dysplasia can also lead to hip arthritis at a young age, causing hind-limb weakness.

Acute forms of arthritis, such as immune-mediated arthritis and Lyme arthritis, can result in sudden weakness in the dog's hind end.

Here's an interesting read: Hind Leg

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause hind-leg weakness in dogs. This is a common issue that can be easily diagnosed with a simple blood test.

Low red blood cells, known as anemia, is another metabolic disorder that can lead to hind-leg weakness in dogs. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including chronic diseases and nutritional deficiencies.

Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can also cause hind-leg weakness in dogs. This can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires further diagnostic testing to identify the root cause.

Finding the underlying cause of these metabolic disorders is crucial for resolving the issue and restoring your dog's strength and mobility.

You might enjoy: Can Fleas Cause Paralysis in Cats?

Cardiac function is essential for blood flow and oxygen delivery to all the body's tissues. This is why weakness in dogs is usually first apparent in the hind limbs.

Impaired cardiac function can result from various causes, including heartworm disease, congestive heart failure, and heart muscle disease.

Cardiac arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats, can also lead to weakness in the hind limbs. Cardiac or pericardial tumors can cause similar symptoms.

Fluid in the sac surrounding the heart, known as pericardial effusion, can also cause weakness in the hind limbs. Your veterinarian will use your dog's physical exam to determine if a cardiac cause is the reason for the hind-limb weakness.

Hind-leg weakness in dogs can be a symptom of various underlying conditions. Low blood sugar, anemia, and low potassium levels are all examples of metabolic disorders that can cause hind-limb weakness.

These conditions are easily diagnosed with blood tests. Finding their underlying causes, which requires further diagnostic testing, is crucial for resolving these issues.

Some breeds, such as Alaskan Malamutes, are prone to specific conditions that cause hind-leg weakness. Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (AMPN) causes atrophy of the spinal muscle and symmetric hind limb weakness.

Other breeds, like Doberman Pinschers, may experience Dancing Doberman Disease (DDD), a progressive peripheral neuropathy that leads to muscle atrophy and loss of sensation in the unused legs.

Here are some common symptoms of polyneuropathy in dogs:

Laryngeal paralysis is often underdiagnosed in dogs, and one reason for this is that the initial signs can be subtle, such as a shortage of breath, noisy breathing, or a cough.

Medium and large breeds are more likely to develop laryngeal paralysis, especially middle-aged and older dogs. Coughing, especially after exercise or exertion, is probably the most frequently reported sign.

Noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, excessive panting, and a change in the sound of the bark are also common symptoms. These signs can be mistaken for advanced age, cardiopulmonary disease, or bronchitis, especially in obese dogs.

Sudden and severe cases of laryngeal paralysis can result in respiratory distress with bluish mucous membranes (cyanosis) of the mouth and may even cause the dog to collapse.

In some cases, laryngeal paralysis can be mistaken for other conditions, such as hind end weakness, which can be caused by polyneuropathy. Here are some common symptoms of polyneuropathy in dogs:

In breeds such as the Alaskan Malamute, polyneuropathy can cause significant changes, including an inability to walk up stairs or jump.

Laryngeal paralysis can be treated with medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and sedatives for mild cases.

Avoiding hot environments and strenuous exercise can help control symptoms in mild cases.

Harnesses are recommended for affected dogs instead of collars that put pressure on the neck.

Surgery is indicated for severe or congenital cases and can be very successful at reducing or eliminating clinical signs.

Surgical correction can be done to tie back the collapsed cartilage on one side of the throat to prevent obstruction when breathing.

Anecdotally, an anti-depressant medication called doxepin has shown varied success in some cases, but controlled studies did not show any improvement in quality of life according to the dogs’ owners.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Dogs Stand

The Labrador Retriever is the most commonly affected breed for acquired laryngeal paralysis. This means that if your Labrador is experiencing symptoms, it's essential to seek veterinary care right away.

Bouvier des Flandres, Siberian Huskies, Bull Terriers, and Dalmatians are breeds that can be born with congenital laryngeal paralysis. This condition usually becomes apparent at an early age in these breeds.

The breeds mentioned above are more prone to laryngeal paralysis, but it's not exclusive to them. If you suspect your dog is experiencing symptoms, consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

Suggestion: Alternatives to Surgery for Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs