Laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy

[Ridingthegravytrain]

Does anyone else have a dog diagnosed with GOLPP or just laryngeal paralysis. My 13 yr old boy has it and we are looking for management tips or advice from anyone else who is going through this.

We don't really want to have the tie back surgery as he doesn't cope well with anaesthetic and I think the recovery stress for him would be tough.

It's horrible watching them get old

My 12 year old was diagnosed with degenerative polyneuropathy 2 years ago (failing back legs) but also with slight problems with his larynx which indicates GOLPP - his breathing isnt too bad luckily but he has lost his bark.
We havent yet considered tie back but the neurologist prescribed lots of vitamins and supplements which I give him plus a neuro food. We also do Hydrotherapy and are considering physio/accupuncture. He also has some arthritis so we treat that too. I do look at the LP facebook group where there is some useful advice but its mostly US based and it can be hard reading at times.
I do wish you luck with your dog - yes watching them getting old is heartbreaking.

My old dog had laryngeal paralysis. I made sure he never got overheated in the hot weather by dampening his fur, providing a cool mat, cooling bandana and not giving him too much exercise.

Sorry to hear you are/were both in the same boat.

@Spanielsarepainless Did you old dog pass away from the lar par in the end or was it something else. Keeping cool is a must, I will only walk when it's not hot and sunny. It's a fine line between too much exercise for the breathing and not enough for the muscle wastage.

@albird Have you tried gabapentin at all? My vet is happy to prescribe things to see if they help. We tried doxepin but it didn't really make much difference. Trying metoclopramide for the reflux to help with motility. We have a raised food and water area. It just feels like a horrible waiting game of what is going to deteriorate and get him first. Doesn't help he lost his pal last year and his separation anxiety has come back.

No, my old dog had a normal lifespan and was PTS at fifteen and a half from something entirely unconnected. Yes, you need to give them gentle exercise to keep everything else in order!

That's an amazing age to reach! I'm assuming you didn't have the tie back operation. Were there any meds or supplements you can recommend?

We were on gabapentin for quite a while but decided to wean him off it after he started librella injections for his arthritis - he doesn't appear to be in pain. We have yet to have to deal with reflux but he occasionally 'chokes'.We also have raised bowls but funnily enough he doesnt like the drinking bowl raised. Im sorry your boy is suffering.
The supplements recommended to us were (and its a long list!) B1,B12, L-Carnitane, Co-enzyme Q10. Hes already on Yumove and salmon oil andTurmeric. He also has Vivitonin for some 'get upand go".

Our 12 year old Lab also developed laryngeal paralysis when he was 12. It gradually got worse and we really felt we had no other option to have the tie back surgery. It gave us another two years with him. He did also go onto develop degenerative polyneuropathy and it was that worsening in the end when we had to decide the inevitable for him. He would poop without even knowing and he lost control of his bladder :(

I would say if it's currently mild and you are looking to manage the symptoms then the above suggestions are great, however I wouldn't completely rule out the surgery. It gave our pup a new lease of life and he recovered so well.

xxx