Two diagnoses—Mega Esophagus & Laryngeal Paralysis—can be well-managed

Описание: George is a great example of a dog who lives with two disorders that could on their own be a challenge to manage, but his family has done so with finesse, even in tandem. That’s been possible because his family recognized signs that there was something going on, got definitive diagnoses and worked with their veterinarian to craft appropriate treatment plans.

Laryngeal Paralysis is something that I see far more frequently in my work with senior and geriatric dogs, and it’s not uncommon for dogs with it to also experience hind limb weakness. Hypothyroidism is often linked, as well. Caregivers should understand that overheating is a worry with these dogs, as dogs need to pant to cool themselves and LP can make that difficult. Dogs with LP are also at risk for hypoxemia (low blood oxygen). Dogs with both diagnoses should always be walked on a leash with the use of a harness, never solely with a collar as that can put pressure on the neck and airway area.

As promised, links for resources about each disorder are below.


Mega Esophagus resources:

https://m.facebook.com/groups/upright...

https://www.vin.com/vetzinsight/defau...

http://speakingforspot.com/blog/2016/...

http://www.vetfolio.com/internal-medi...

https://www.baileychairs4dogs.com/can...

Zen collar: https://zenpetusa.com/products/recove...


Laryngeal Paralysis resources:

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pe...

http://www.acvim.org/Portals/0/PDF/An...

http://www.vetstreet.com/care/larynge...

https://www.veterinarypracticenews.co...

https://www.google.com/amp/s/healthyp...


Lorrie Shaw is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter, Certified Pet Loss and Grief Companion, and owner of Professional Pet Sitting, where she specializes in ancillary pet palliative and pet hospice care. She's also a member of Doggone Safe (where she completed the Speak Dog Certificate Program), as well as the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, Pet Sitters International, Pet Professional Guild, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (supporting member) and Ann Arbor Area Pet Sitters. Lorrie can be found at lorrieshaw.com. She tweets at @psa2.