Laryngeal paralysis causes progressive respiratory compromise in dogs, particularly older large breeds, with surgical correction offering significantly improved welfare compared to conservative management.
Laryngeal paralysis causes progressive respiratory distress that significantly compromises welfare as the disease advances. Dogs with severe laryngeal paralysis experience air hunger during minimal exertion and are at risk of life-threatening respiratory crises in hot weather or with excitement. The welfare distress of air hunger is among the most immediately fear-inducing experiences a dog can have. Surgical correction through arytenoid lateralisation dramatically improves airway diameter and exercise capacity, with most dogs showing excellent welfare improvement. Managing aspiration risk post-operatively through food texture modification and feeding position changes reduces the main complication.