Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

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What Is Laryngeal Paralysis?

Laryngeal paralysis is a disorder in which the cartilages that normally open the airway (larynx) during inspiration fail to move properly. The larynx sits at the top of the windpipe and controls airflow into and out of the lungs.

Normally, the arytenoid cartilages open wide when your dog inhales. In laryngeal paralysis, the nerves that control these muscles weaken or stop working, so the cartilages stay partly closed. This restricts airflow and causes noisy breathing, especially during exertion or in hot weather.

• Most common in older, large-breed dogs
• Often linked to a progressive nerve disease (geriatric onset laryngeal paralysis polyneuropathy, or GOLPP)
• Can be life-threatening if it causes respiratory crisis
• Surgery is the main treatment for moderate to severe cases

Symptoms of Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs (Early Signs, Progressive Symptoms, Emergency Signs)

Early Signs

• Raspy or hoarse bark
• Mild noisy breathing, especially when excited or exercising
• Occasional gagging or coughing when eating or drinking
• Slightly reduced tolerance for exercise or heat

Progressive Symptoms

• Loud, high-pitched breathing (stridor) during exercise or stress
• Increased panting and reluctance to exercise
• Voice changes or loss of bark
• Coughing or gagging, especially when eating
• Gradual weakness in the hind limbs (with GOLPP)

Emergency Signs — Seek Veterinary Care Immediately

• Severe difficulty breathing (open-mouth breathing, gasping)
• Blue or purple gums (cyanosis)
• Collapse or extreme weakness
• Panic or inability to rest
• Heat stress or overheating

What Causes Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs?

Common causes include:

• Idiopathic (geriatric onset): Most cases in older dogs. The recurrent laryngeal nerves gradually fail, often as part of a broader nerve condition (GOLPP).
• Congenital: Some puppies (e.g., Bouvier des Flandres, Siberian Husky) inherit the condition.
• Trauma: Neck injury, bite wounds, or surgery that damages the laryngeal nerves.
• Tumors: Cancer in the throat or chest pressing on nerves.
• Endocrine disorders: Hypothyroidism is occasionally associated.
• Other nerve or muscle diseases: Myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, and other neuromuscular conditions.

Breeds Most at Risk

Breeds with a higher reported incidence include:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• Saint Bernards
• Irish Setters
• Newfoundlands
• Bull Terriers
• Dalmatians

• Bouvier des Flandres
• Siberian Huskies
• Dalmatians
• Bull Terriers

How Laryngeal Paralysis Is Diagnosed

Your veterinarian will:

1. Physical exam: Listen to breathing and check for stridor.
2. Sedation and laryngoscopy: Light sedation allows direct viewing of the larynx while the dog breathes. Paralysis is confirmed when the arytenoid cartilages do not open normally.
3. Bloodwork: Rule out hypothyroidism or other metabolic issues.
4. Chest X-rays: Look for aspiration pneumonia, masses, or other lung disease.
5. Advanced imaging (if needed): CT or MRI to evaluate for tumors or structural problems.

Treatment Options (Medical Management, Surgical Options, Alternative/Supportive Therapies, At-Home Care)

Medical Management

• Mild cases: Rest, avoiding heat and overexertion, weight management.
• No effective medication restores nerve function, but anti-inflammatories or antibiotics may be used for secondary issues.
• Medical management alone is usually not enough for moderate or severe cases.

Surgical Options

• Tie-back (arytenoid lateralization): The most common surgery. One side of the larynx is permanently opened to allow easier airflow.
• Pros: Dramatically improves breathing in most dogs.
• Cons: Higher risk of aspiration pneumonia afterward; some dogs need ongoing monitoring.

Alternative/Supportive Therapies

• Acupuncture and physical therapy may support overall comfort and mobility in dogs with GOLPP.
• These do not replace surgery when breathing is significantly compromised.

At-Home Care

• Keep your dog calm and cool; avoid hot or humid conditions.
• Use a harness instead of a collar to reduce pressure on the neck.
• Feed smaller, more frequent meals to reduce aspiration risk.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce breathing effort.

Prognosis & Life Expectancy

• With surgery: Most dogs return to good quality of life and normal activity. Life expectancy is often near-normal if aspiration pneumonia is avoided.
• Without surgery: Severe cases can progress to respiratory crisis. Medical management alone is often insufficient.
• Aspiration pneumonia: This is the main complication after surgery and may recur. Prompt veterinary care for cough, fever, or lethargy is essential.

Prevention

• Idiopathic laryngeal paralysis cannot be prevented.
• Avoid obesity, heat stress, and overexertion to reduce the risk of respiratory crisis.
• In at-risk breeds, routine wellness exams can help detect early signs.

Cost of Treatment

• Diagnosis (exam, bloodwork, laryngoscopy): $200–$800
• Surgery (tie-back procedure): $2,000–$5,000+
• Follow-up care and management of complications: Variable

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Frequently Asked Questions