Spasms of the larynx

You may recall that we had described the larynx as the “voice box” which contains the vocal cords. These vocal cords may experience a sudden, involuntary and violent contraction. These spasms of the larynx (laryngospasms) usually happen when a droplet of saliva or mucus (slime) falls from the soft palate upon the vocal cords. Of course, if there is a throat infection which is producing a lot of excess mucus, this laryngospasm is more likely to occur. When this contraction happens, the air supply to the lungs can be cut off.  As can be imagined, the dog in this state of suffocation becomes quite frantic, and the inside of the mouth may even begin to turn blue (cyanotic). If this situation continues, the animal will collapse. Once this episode ceases, air returns to the lungs and recovery is quite rapid. If such a condition occurs often, then we may be dealing with a seizure disorder.

Foreign bodies in the larynx

The sudden onset of severe coughing and respiratory distress in a healthy dog suggests a foreign body caught in the larynx. This is an emergency. Get your dog to…..