Laryngitis is a condition that occurs when there is an inflammation of the larynx. This common pet health problem can occur due to many different reasons including dust, smoke, trauma, excessive barking or meowing, or upper respiratory tract infections. It can also occur due to such diseases as distemper or infectious tracheobronchitis.
How Laryngitis Affects Your Pet
If your pet has laryngitis, it will develop an intense cough that can become quite painful. Coughing episodes can be brought on by such things as pressure on the larynx, cold weather, dust, excitement, and swallowing food or water. Over time, breathing and swallowing becomes difficult on pets and very painful. This is due to excessive swelling and fluid buildup in the larynx. Left untreated, airways can become obstructed and can lead to increased pulse rate, lack of oxygen, fever, collapse and even death. However, it is essential to note that laryngitis, in itself, is not fatal. Death is rare and only occurs in cases where paralysis of the larynx has developed.
Common Symptoms of Laryngitis
The symptoms of laryngitis will vary depending on the severity of your pet's condition, its age and normal activity level. However, there are some symptoms that are common to this pet health condition. Common Symptoms of Laryngitis in Pets: Hoarseness/Difficulty Barking or Meowing, Persistent and Harsh Cough, Dry Cough at First/Moist Later, Pain While Coughing, Low Tolerance to Cold and Dust, Difficulty Swallowing, Difficulty Breathing/High-Pitched Breathing, Bad Breath, Standing with Head Lowered, Reduced Respiratory Rate, Bluish Gums, Increased Pulse and Fever and Feinting/Collapse.
Treatments for Laryngitis
The treatment your pet will require if it has laryngitis depends on the severity of its condition. If there are any obstructions in the larynx, your veterinarian will place a tracheotomy in the neck to help your pet breathe. Coritcosteroids will be necessary to reduce any swelling that is causing the obstruction. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can eliminate inflammation, and antibiotics will be prescribed if there are any infections. Diuretics may be required to reduce fluid buildup in the larynx and lungs. It is also recommended to keep your pet calm and warm, to feed it soft foods, and avoid dust and humidity. Finally, cough suppressants may be prescribed temporarily.
Breeds Affected
Most any breed of dog or cat can develop the condition. However, the following breeds of pets seem more prone to the problem, and the following conditions can leave animals vulnerable to it. Most vulnerable dog breeds to Laryngitis: Pugs, Pekingese, Bulldogs, Terriers, Persians, Himalayans and other Short-Nosed or active breeds.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.