Laryngeal Paralysis When to Euthanize Your Dog

Laryngeal paralysis can be a challenging and emotional experience for dog owners.

The average lifespan of a dog with laryngeal paralysis is significantly reduced, often to less than 6 months.

Your dog's quality of life is the most important factor to consider when deciding whether to euthanize.

Symptoms such as persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, and decreased appetite can indicate a poor quality of life.

Laryngeal paralysis can be a challenging condition for dog owners to navigate. It's a condition that affects the nerves that control the voice box, making it difficult for dogs to breathe and swallow.

Symptoms of laryngeal paralysis can vary, but common signs include difficulty breathing, especially after exercise or eating, and a distinctive "goose-honk" sound when inhaling. Some dogs may also experience coughing, gagging, or regurgitation.

Your veterinarian may use the age of their own dog with laryngeal paralysis as a rough estimate of what to expect for your dog's quality of life. However, this is not a reliable indicator of the severity of the condition.

Laryngeal paralysis can be a manageable condition with proper care and treatment, but it's essential to recognize the symptoms and understand when it's time to consider euthanasia.

If this caught your attention, see: When to Euthanize a Dog with Hemoabdomen?

Symptoms of laryngeal paralysis in dogs can be alarming, but also subtle. Some common symptoms include harsh breathing sounds when panting, panting more than usual, and a change in the sound of their bark to a hoarse tone.

A sedated oral exam, chest x-rays, and routine blood tests are common diagnostic tools used to diagnose laryngeal paralysis in dogs. However, the only concrete method of diagnosing LAR PAR involves a sedated exam of the larynx.

If you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog, it's essential to have them seen by your veterinarian: harsh breathing sounds, panting more than usual, change in bark sound, coughing when eating or drinking, lethargy, fatigue upon exertion, weakness of the limbs, abnormal gait, difficulty with breathing, blue or purple gum color, and collapse.

Dogs with laryngeal paralysis can experience a range of symptoms, from subtle to alarming.

Harsh breathing sounds, especially when panting, are a common symptom of laryngeal paralysis in dogs.

Suggestion: Petsmart Euthanize Dogs

Panting more than usual is another sign that your dog may be experiencing laryngeal paralysis.

A change in the sound of their bark, typically hoarse in nature, can also indicate this condition.

Coughing when eating or drinking is a symptom that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Lethargy and fatigue upon exertion are common in dogs with laryngeal paralysis.

Weakness of the limbs and abnormal gait can also be symptoms of this condition.

Difficulty with breathing and blue or purple gum color are serious symptoms that require immediate veterinary attention.

Collapse is a life-threatening symptom that requires emergency care.

Here are some common symptoms of laryngeal paralysis in dogs:

To diagnose a dog's condition, your vet will start by gathering a thorough history of your dog's symptoms and medical history.

They'll ask questions about your dog's symptoms, daily behavior, and any previous medical history.

A standard physical exam will involve obtaining vitals, listening to their heart and lungs, and observing their gait and neurological mentation.

This exam may not provide answers about your dog's current condition, but it can help determine which diagnostic options to pursue next.

Your vet may suggest a sedated oral exam, chest x-rays, and routine blood tests to help diagnose the condition.

X-rays and blood work can offer some support, but the only concrete method of diagnosing laryngeal paralysis in dogs involves a sedated exam of the larynx.

This involves placing your dog under anesthesia for a short period, allowing your vet to watch the behavior of the larynx each time they take a breath.

Check this out: How to Help a Dog with Laryngeal Paralysis

Laryngeal paralysis can lead to serious health complications in dogs, including aspiration pneumonia, respiratory distress, and limb weakness. Aspiration pneumonia can occur before and after corrective surgery and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

The risk of aspiration pneumonia increases when the larynx is dysfunctional, allowing food and water to enter the lungs. Respiratory distress can occur in severe cases of laryngeal paralysis, causing the trachea to collapse and blocking airflow to the lungs.

Here are some common signs of a suffering pup with laryngeal paralysis:

Dogs with untreated laryngeal paralysis can experience life-threatening health complications.

Aspiration pneumonia is a significant risk, especially before and after surgery, as it can lead to a severe infection of the lungs.

Respiratory distress can occur in severe cases of laryngeal paralysis, causing the trachea to collapse and blocking airflow to the lungs.

This can happen suddenly, leading to death in some dogs.

Dogs with laryngeal paralysis may also experience limb weakness as the disease progresses, impacting their ability to walk normally.

Severe cases can even result in complete loss of limb function.

Determining if your pet's quality of life is decreasing can be challenging, but one objective way to assess it is to use a scale from 1 to 10. You rate your pet's quality of life on this scale, with 1 being the poorest and 10 being the best.

For example, if you rate your pet as a 9 in January, a 7 in March, and a 5 in May, it's time to face reality: your pet's quality of life has significantly deteriorated. An honest discussion with your family and veterinarian about what can realistically be done is essential.

The HHHHHMM Quality of Life scale is a more comprehensive tool that uses criteria such as pain level, appetite, hygiene, happiness, and mobility to remain as objective as possible. Understanding these signs will help you know when it's time to put a dog down.

The day may come when your pet has the absolute worst day in their life, but must you wait for that day? The day when they have fallen again and are in pain, or when you come home and find your beloved friend stuck in a horrible situation that is confusing, stressful, and scary? No, you should not wait for that day.

Here are some signs that may indicate your pet's quality of life is declining:

If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to have a quality of life discussion with your veterinarian. They are the only ones who have a proper understanding of your dog's case, so it's always best to trust their input in these situations.

Deciding to euthanize a dog with laryngeal paralysis is never an easy decision. It's a difficult conversation to have with your vet, but it's essential to consider your dog's quality of life and suffering. If your dog is experiencing frequent episodes of respiratory distress, struggling with limb weakness, or has paralysis of the esophagus, it may be time to discuss euthanasia with your vet.

Your vet is the best person to determine the severity of your dog's condition and provide guidance on the best course of action. They can help you assess your dog's quality of life using a scale from 1 to 10, or use the HHHHHMM Quality of Life scale to evaluate their pain level, appetite, hygiene, happiness, and mobility. If your dog's quality of life is significantly deteriorating, it may be time to consider euthanasia.

Some signs that may indicate it's time to say goodbye to your dog with laryngeal paralysis include:

It's essential to have an open and honest discussion with your vet about your dog's condition and your concerns. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of euthanasia and make an informed decision that's best for your dog.