A review of laryngeal paralysis in dogs

Laryngeal paralysis is now a frequently recognized disorder, particularly in older dogs of certain breeds such as the Labrador retriever, Afghan Hound and Irish Setter. The presenting signs may consist of exercise intolerance, inspiratory stridor, inspiratory dyspnoea, gagging, coughing and dysphonia. Two forms of laryngeal paralysis exist, hereditary and acquired. The hereditary form is found in young dogs and transmitted by an autosomal dominant gene. At present little is known about the aetiology of acquired laryngeal paralysis and therefore treatment is directed at relieving the laryngeal obstruction. Recent reports indicate that arytenoid lateralization achieves the best results as a method of surgical correction.