Dear Dr. John,

My Labrador Retriever just turned 14 and has been healthy for the most part, but he takes a thyroid supplement. He recently developed what sounded like a respiratory cough with some lethargy. I took him to an emergency facility that suggested he had kennel cough, and they gave me some cough medication. With no improvement, I brought him to a local veterinarian, and they ran all kinds of tests including x-rays and a tracheal wash. What they found was some kind of bacteria as well as a weak larynx.

What can be done for this? They gave me some medications but not much has changed. They called it larpar and discussed possible therapeutic options also noting that not much usually works. What could have caused this and is it painful for him? It sounds like he struggles when he’s breathing a good deal of the time. S.D.

Dear S.D.,

Larpar is a shortened term for laryngeal paralysis. Male dogs seem to have this more than females. This is caused by a neuromuscular disease that is often not well understood. Larpar can be caused by trauma, masses, nerve compromise, muscle disorders, and even low thyroid levels although the latter is not well documented, and it is not reversible. Some suggest nutrition may even be a possible added cause.

The antibiotics were probably given to address the bacteria found on the tracheal wash. Larpar is not painful although the raspy breathing can be upsetting. Surgery can be done for more severe cases with some success. The most performed surgery involves placing sutures to tie back the paralyzed cartilage, but one needs to be careful when feeding the dog to prevent aspiration of food and water.

Milder cases are treated with anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics if infections are present, and sedatives to keep the dog calm. It sounds as if that is how your veterinarian is approaching your dog’s condition for now. It’s important to avoid hot or poorly ventilated situations and using a harness instead of a collar and leash is also recommended to reduce possible strain on the neck. Despite the disconcerting noises, your dog is not in pain.

Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic.He can be reached at 781-899-9994.