Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy: Welfare in Affected Breeds

Juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy is a heritable progressive neurological disease causing welfare impacts from breathing difficulty and generalised weakness in young dogs.

Key Facts

JLPP is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition in Rottweilers and related breeds
Affected puppies develop noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, and progressive weakness from a few months of age
The underlying polyneuropathy causes weakness affecting limb function, swallowing, and breathing
DNA testing identifies carriers enabling breeding decisions that prevent JLPP
No effective treatment exists beyond management of respiratory distress and supportive care

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with JLPP experience progressive deterioration of welfare from multiple concurrent neurological deficits. Laryngeal paralysis causes noisy, laboured breathing and heat intolerance that worsens with any exercise. Concurrent limb weakness impairs mobility and normal activity. Swallowing difficulties increase aspiration pneumonia risk. The combination of breathing difficulty, weakness, and progressive deterioration causes substantial welfare impact. Most affected dogs require euthanasia before reaching adulthood when welfare becomes unacceptable.

What You Can Do

DNA test Rottweilers and related breeds for JLPP before using them in breeding
Only purchase Rottweiler puppies from breeders who test for JLPP carrier status
Support breed clubs in making JLPP DNA testing mandatory for registered breeders
Seek specialist neurological assessment if a young Rottweiler develops breathing or weakness signs
Advocate for responsible breeding practices that eliminate preventable hereditary diseases