Never heard of this before - dog illness

Chris in PA · #1 06/26/15, 12:53 PM

I have a yellow lab service dog. He is sill working cheerfully. A couple of weeks ago he developed the cough/gag. Then he sounded a bit asthmatic. He saw the vet but no one could really determine what was going on. Heart sounded fine, lungs were dry. Sunday he was really working hard for each breath. Off we go to the vets again.

He has been diagnosed with larengeal paralysis. His vocal cords do not open properly to let in air. He must have a surgery to keep one side of his vocal cords open.

It is horrible when it's hot and humid or he gets too stressed or excited.

He is now taking anti- anxiety meds! Hoping the continue to work until he sees the specialist to have the surgery done. If it can't be done we will have to put him down.

So be aware- it is not totally uncommon.

Tricky Grama · #2 06/26/15, 02:57 PM

Our poor ol' Honey dog sounded kinda like that...she'd do something that sounded like "haaarhaaar". After expensive Xrays, she's a little asthmatic, I guess, on some drops. I guess we got off lucky, Prayers & good thoughts for your furface.

CountryMom22 · #3 06/26/15, 07:38 PM

My Lab had a similar problem a few years back. He started coughing for no apparent reason. Exercise didn't have anything to do with it. Went to the vet who said kennel cough. Put him on meds for 10 days. No change. Went back again, stronger meds, no change. Back again, this time we scoped him. Came back clear. X-ray of his lungs, clear. At this point the doc is completely perplexed but suggests we put him on cough medicine to stop the cough and allow his throat to recover. After a month on a cough suppressant, he was fine.

Now every time he coughs I start watching him like a hawk. I'm sorry your poor dog is going through this. It's hard when they don't feel well. I hope the surgery is successful and that he heals quickly. Sue

OH Boy · #4 06/26/15, 08:00 PM

One of our English setters developed that when she was about 11-12 years old. We did not use a leash or any tight collars on her after that. She had some lung problems too and our vet suggested an inhaler that we administered once or twice a day. She did ok until we lost her to a cancerous tumor at 14 and a half years old.

Jlynnp · #5 06/26/15, 09:08 PM

While it can be hereditary it usually occurs in older dogs with Labs, Goldens, ST Bernards very susceptible to it. There is currently no definite cause for it but trauma is thought to be a potential cause. Surgery is very helpful but you will need to watch your dog at feeding time to be sure it doesn't inhale food. Hopefully things will go well for you and your service dog. They have a big job to fill.

Jennifer L. · #6 06/27/15, 07:49 PM

Thanks for the alert, I've never heard of that problem. I hope all goes well with your dog, give him an extra hug from me.

gibbsgirl · #7 06/28/15, 12:01 PM

I hope the bet is able to tell you if this is contagious
I would imagine if he is a service dog, this is particularly stressful, since if heist be replaced, you would want to be sure another dog does not contract it from hom or things he's had contact with.

I hope everything works out well. Most folks love their dogs anyway, but I: m sure there is also a special bond when the dog is assisting you with daily life.

DeborahnJesse · #8 06/28/15, 02:32 PM

I have seen injuries like this at the vet where I work......I'm sure they will fix him. I hope he is in a harness while on lead......less stress on his neck. Good luck

Chris in PA · #9 06/29/15, 08:30 PM

Spencer used to wear a gentle leader when out in public..what he had wad not contagious.

Yesterday Spencer's medicine stopped working. In spite of being in dog ER he did not make. He was ready to quit this fight. It was written in his eyes. Never heard of this before - dog illness - Countryside Families

Never heard of this before - dog illness - Countryside Families

Jlynnp · #10 06/29/15, 08:49 PM

I am sorry for your loss.

OH Boy · #11 06/29/15, 08:53 PM

sorry for this it is a very hard thing to lose a beloved dog, they are one of the family.

Tricky Grama · #12 06/30/15, 06:27 AM

I cannot stop the tears.I'm so sorry. Here's "Rainbow Bridge"-

RAINBOW BRIDGE

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

CountryMom22 · #13 06/30/15, 02:24 PM

Chris I'm so sorry to hear about Spencer. But if he was ready to go...it is best that he left. I'm sure he would have stayed if he could. A bond that strong will keep them going far longer than most people realize.

Hopefully, you can take comfort in the memories, and in knowing you did everything you could for him.

Not to sound crass, but how long will it be before you can find another service dog? I know they need an incredible amount of training, but I also know what a huge difference it makes in the life of the owner.

Prayers from NJ. God Bless, Sue

NEfarmgirl · #14 06/30/15, 07:11 PM

Very sorry for your loss. My parents had a little dog that had the same issue and she passed very shortly after it was discovered. It is very sad that dogs can't stay in our lives longer, because they are part of the family.

Bellyman · #15 06/30/15, 08:17 PM

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.

My brother and sister-in-law had a Golden for something close to 14 years, which is quite a long life for a Golden. It was rough when she finally passed.

Blessings,

7thswan · #16 07/02/15, 08:05 AM

I am so sorry for Your loss of Your Beautiful Partner.