The larynx, which is the opening through which outside air flows into a dog’s lungs, allows for vocalization and prevents food inhalation (aspiration) — both of which are important functions. Paralysis of the larynx, otherwise known as laryngeal paralysis or “lar par” for short, means that one or both of the vocal folds do not open fully during breathing. The condition can occur in cats but is more common in dogs, and specifically in large-breed dogs. It can be hereditary in Bouviers, Huskies, Bull Terriers, Dalmatians and Rotweillers and is also commonly seen (but not necessarily hereditary) in Labs, Goldens, St. Bernards and Newfoundlands.
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I happened upon this by accident, but glad I did! If it is okay, I’d like to post this on my facebook page — this is the best description I’ve come upon for LarPar. My Lab had surgery here in New York State in February of 2012, and our senior mixed breed female had the surgery just last week; and both dogs are hypothyroid, and have the accompanying neuropathy in their rear legs. I am meeting more and more people who have dogs exhibiting the symptoms who think it is “old age” or arthritis, and have no idea that it might be LarPar.
Thank you for this very informative pod cast…
Lori Dorry, Selkirk, NY (Max and Sophie too!)
Re-post away! Give us a little credit, but feel free to re-post! We are happy that you liked our blog/pod cast and please come back and read the others!
I have a Chocolate Lab that is Hypo Thyroid and has Lar Par. He also does have some weakness in his hind legs. He is overweight and working on getting 15-20lbs off him. What type of surgery did your dog have, how old was he and his current prognosis?
Hi ,
I live in New York State [ Woodstock , NY ] and my 10 year old lab has Lar Par . His biological sister also had it , and had the surgery last year [ she was 11 ] , but died 5 months later from Cancer that we had missed . We had to travel to Vermont because nobody in my area had the required training to do the operation . The specialist who was well known in NY state , left the area a year before we needed him . This is my long winded way of asking if you know of any specialists in my area . I’ve been online looking and can’t find anything . Please help if you can .
Thanks so much ,
Kate wilder
This is what I found on google. https://www.uvsonline.com/about-us/our-doctors/, but any board certified surgeon should be able to de a tie-back surgery.