Laryngeal paralysis (LP)

Laryngeal paralysis means that the dog is not able to abduct the arytenoid cartilages during inspiration which could result in partial airway obstruction and consequent respiratory distress. Laryngeal paralysis could be induced hereditary or acquired by surgical trauma, wounds, bites, tumors, etc. Clinical signs of laryngeal paralysis include decreasing exercise tolerance, progressive laryngeal stridor, voice impairment, episodes of breathing difficulties and collapsing. In the breeds Bull Terrier and Miniature Bull Terrier, a variant could be identified to be a major genetic risk factor for an early onset from of laryngeal paralysis. Homozygosity for this variant is associated with a ten to seventeen fold increased risk for laryngeal paralysis. Therefore, matings should be planned with at least one of the breeding animals being clear to avoid the birth of puppies homozygous for the variant.