Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

ark loudly. The interior of the larynx is lined with a mucous membrane. The
mucosa of the larynx, unlike the rest of the respiratory tract, does not contain
cilia—hairlike structures that help move things through the passage.
Therefore, mucus tends to pool in the larynx. Exaggerated throat-clearing is
required to bring up the phlegm.
The larynx is the most sensitive cough area in the respiratory tract.
Pressure over the larynx, such as that caused by a tight choke collar, can cause
episodes of explosive coughing.
Diseases of the larynx cause hoarseness and progressive loss of the ability to
bark. Choking, gagging, and coughing may be observed, especially while eating
or drinking. Laryngeal obstructions such as those caused by laryngeal collapse,
vocal cord paralysis, or a foreign body in the airway produce shortness
of breath on exertion, stridor, cyanosis, and collapse.
LARYNGITIS
Laryngitis is inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords and surrounding
laryngeal mucosa. The signs are hoarseness and the inability to bark. The
most common cause of laryngitis is voice strain caused by excessive barking or
coughing. In the absence of these, suspect vocal cord paralysis. Laryngitis can
accompany tonsillitis, throat infections, kennel cough, or tumors in the
throat.
Treatment: Laryngitis due to excessive barking usually responds to removing
the stimulus for the barking (see Excessive Barking, page 318). When voice
strain is due to prolonged coughing, take your dog to the veterinarian to
investigate and eliminate the cause of the coughing.
LARYNGEAL EDEMA
THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM • 315
Sudden swelling of the larynx and vocal cords can result in marked narrowing
or complete obstruction of the airway. Signs are stridor, rapid labored breathing,
cyanosis, and collapse.
Insect bites can cause an anaphylactic reaction with sudden swelling of the
larynx. Another cause of laryngeal edema is excessive panting, particularly
when it is associated with heat stroke. Similarly, any process that results in
forced breathing across a narrowed airway (such as vocal cord paralysis) can
lead to swelling that exacerbates the original disease.
Treatment: Sudden stridor and difficulty breathing is an acute emergency.
Proceed as quickly as possible to the nearest veterinary clinic. Corticosteroids
are given to reduce swelling and inflammation. Adrenalin is a specific antidote
for an allergic reaction (see Anaphylactic Shock, page 13). Antihistamines
also are beneficial. Sedatives help to relieve anxiety and panting.