Lillie, pictured with me in my profile pic, will be 12 years old June 14th. A few weeks ago, she started making a strange rasping noise when she breathed, and when we went for a walk, she sounded like she had the croup. She would get so tired, she couldn't walk more than fifty yards without stopping to sit down.
I took her to the Vet, fearing she had Congestive Heart Failure, but the Vet ruled that out right away. He scheduled her for an endoscopy of her throat the next day, as he suspected she had a paralyzed larynx. The endoscopy confirmed her larynx was paralyzed on both sides. When it is paralyzed, it doesn't open and close as they breathe, so they can't cool themselves off by panting like healthy dogs can, and they are at a high risk of complete obstruction leading to a breathing crisis and suffocation.
He discussed a few treatment options with me, One was the debarking surgery, which removes the vocal cords and allows more room for her to breathe. He said that surgery was less risky a procedure to do, but the long term risks were greater, since it leaves a much larger opening that food could get through, leading to a higher risk of aspiration. I crossed that one off my list immediately.
Another option was a series of medications, including steroids to help reduce inflamation, and tranquilizers to keep her calm. That helps the immediate symptoms to a degree, but isn't a cure, and will only work for mild symptoms for a short time.
The best option is a Tie-Back surgery, where they stich on fold of the larynx to the side of her throat, allowing more room for her to get air. As with the first, there is a risk of aspiration, but the opening is smaller, so it is safer. Not safe, necessarily, but safer than the debarking surgery.
I have done a lot of research on the Tie Back surgery, and honestly, it scares me senseless. The surgery itself is risky, post op is risky, and the recovery time brings with it a lot of lifestyle changes and risks of its own. But, without the surgery, she will probably not survive the Summer.
As frightening as it is, I want to give her the Tie Back surgery, so I am working on raising the money (it's pretty pricey, but I am getting really close), and until then, she is taking Prednisone and Benedryl. The Benedryl is helping a lot. I also have a window air conditioner and five fans going in the house to help keep her cool. Today, it is 74 degrees out, Lillie is sleeping in front of the AC, and I am wearing a fleece pullover!
I found a great group on Yahoo for people who have dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis, and they have been so wonderfully supportive and informative. I have learned so much.
It is so hard to know what to do. I want to give my girl every chance of life, and then the fear creeps in, and I start second guessing myself, and wondering if the pain of the surgery and the risk is the right thing.
Prayers for Lillie are greatly appreciated.
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