Laryngeal paralysis can occur by itself or as part of a syndrome called geriatric onset laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy (GOLPP).     

GOLPP is a common problem of older large and giant breed dogs. 

It is a disease of the nervous system, characterized by the slow but progressive degeneration of some of the longer nerves in the body. It results in partial paralysis of the larynx (i.e. voice box), esophagus and hind limbs. 

We do not know the cause of GOLPP and there is no cure for it. However, they are many things you can do to reduce the problems associated with this disease.     

What Are The Symptoms?     

Laryngeal paralysis (Lar-Par) causes increased respiratory effort and “voice change”. These are due to partial paralysis of the muscles that control the vocal cords of the larynx. 

As a result, the vocal cords hang into the airway instead of retracting out of the way during inhalation. This means they obstruct the airway and make it difficult for the pet to inhale. 

Reduced vocal cord movement can also change the sound of a dog’s bark.

 Decreased airway size leads to increased airflow resistance and turbulence of the air flowing through the larynx. In other words, it takes a lot of effort to get enough air through and it makes a lot of noise. It’s like trying to breathe through a straw instead of a hose. 

This is what causes the loud noise every time the pet takes a breath. The increased force of the air moving through causes edema (swelling) of the larynx. This leads to further obstruction and can eventually cause edema in the lungs as well as the throat.  

   Symptoms of GOLPP can also include:  

  Hind limb weakness and instability. Affected dogs will slowly lose thigh and back muscle mass, scuff the tops of their paws as they walk, have trouble pushing off from their hind end as they climb stairs or try to get into the car or up on furniture, and be easily unbalanced in their back end.  ·

Pronounced/repeated swallowing or coughing/hacking after eating, as well as increased drooling and lip licking. These signs relate to partial paralysis of the muscles responsible for moving food from the throat to the stomach, causing esophageal dysfunction. 

As a result, food, liquids and saliva are regurgitated back into the throat where they may be coughed out or inhaled into the lungs.  Dogs may initially only show signs related to breathing, but within 12 months dogs afflicted by GOLPP will have hind limb weakness. 

70% of large dogs diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis eventually show esophageal dysfunction.  Medium and smaller dogs are less predictable. 

Chances are good that the genetic cause is different than for large dogs,  QDogs with LP are usually middle-age to elderly.  

Male dogs are slightly more commonly affected than females.  

 What Will Happen to My Dog If She/He Has GOLPP?  

Unfortunately, for large breed dogs GOLPP is usually a progressive disease and symptoms will worsen with time. 

The paralysis of the larynx generally starts on one side and then progresses to the other. Breathing will be somewhat noisy when the airway is only partially obstructed and then get worse when the other side becomes affected. 

The hind leg weakness and incoordination usually start after laryngeal paralysis is complete but sometimes begins earlier.  

Without surgery, respiratory collapse and sudden death from suffocation can occur, especially in hot, humid weather or with stress or heavy exercise. 

Urgent treatment for severe respiratory distress includes a cool, non-stressful environment and sedation.  

Morphine alleviates the anxiety and air-hunger of acute upper airway obstruction.  Morphine can be combined with a sedative if needed.   

Emergency general anesthesia and placement of a tube to open the airway, or a temporary tracheostomy, are sometimes required.