Please pray for Jake. He started having some breathing issues-it just sounded like he had a bad cold. Took him to our regular vet who immediately recommended an emergency services vet that had the ability to do a scope of his throat and larynx. Had it done a few hours ago and he has major swelling on one side of his throat, so they couldn't get a good read, but he suspects he has laryngeal paralysis. Due to the swelling he's now on steroids and has to go back on Tuesday for another scope to get a clearer picture. If it is laryngeal paralysis then we will probably do the correct surgery, which basically ties back one vocal cord to make his breathing easier. While it doesn't cure the paralysis, it will allow him to lead a normal life. There is a slight chance that it's just the swelling causing the issue and another even slighter chance that there's a tumor causing it, so we've got our fingers crossed. He goes back on Tuesday to get another scope done, and then we'll take it from there. Wish us luck!

I will definitely be praying for the best for Jake.

Prayers for Jake coming your way from MO.

Prayers for Jake from PA.....please keep us updated!

Prayers for Jake, please | Good Sam Community

28 Replies

Crowe
Explorer
Sep 16, 2014
If looks could kill I'd be a dead woman right now! Boy, did I get the hairy eyeball from Jake when I fed Jesse and he couldn't eat!

Thanks for all the well-wishes. I'll be leaving shortly to take him to the vet. Will post a separate update when all is said and done.
down_home
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2014
Prayer on the way. A scratch behind his ears for me.
Crowe
Explorer
Sep 15, 2014
Talked to SIL yesterday, who is a lab breeder. I've read that Labs are the "poster children" for this. She had a 10 year old lab that developed it, opted not to do the surgery feeling the risks were too great plus the dog already had cancer, and he lived for another 3 years. I've somehow managed to get my nerves and stress under control but I'm wondering how long that's going to last! At this point after doing much reading on the subject, I'm more concerned about what's causing the swelling in his throat rather than the surgery itself. Tomorrow's scope will hopefully give us a clear picture of everything.
xteacher
Explorer
Sep 15, 2014
Prayers sent for Jake! Glad Dr. Doug has a suggestion that may work, too.
Scottiemom
Nomad
Sep 13, 2014
I have a cousin whose 10 year old dog has had this for six months. They chose not to have surgery because they didn't feel it would improve his life and at age 10 they considered it too much risk.

I did copy Dr. Doug's remark about the Doxepin this morning and sent it to her. She was glad to hear it recommended somewhere else. She said they started the treatment with Doxepin just last week and Wrigs is remarkably improved! She is hopeful it means his life will return to normal now. Just thought I would pass this on. Like so many, I had never heard of it till I saw my cousin last week for a family dinner. Her husband did not join us because they don't leave Wrigs alone. If he gets excited and tries to bark, he starts with asthma type symptoms, so one of them stays with him all the time to keep him calm.

Glad to hear Jake is doing better and now you know there is another treatment besides surgery you may be able to try if needed.

Dale
campn4walleye
Explorer
Sep 13, 2014
prayers have been sent and are already activated. :)
Crowe
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
I'm sure the DVM talked to you about Jake being at risk for aspiration pneumonia

Yes, he did. He went over every possible scenario including the swelling possibly being related to a tumor. Chances are slim, but still there. Chances were slim that at the age of 45 I'd almost die from congestive heart failure, but none-the-less it happened. There's so much risk in life itself that you do your best to minimize it then deal with the rest. He's responding very well to the steroids but I know that doesn't mean there still isn't the laryngeal paralysis. The way I look at it is it's fixable, he's a young dog, and his quality of life will be pretty much the same as prior to the surgery. As the vet put it he won't be able to run any doggie marathons, but since he's a very laid back dog, no worries there! And we just have to do our best to minimize aspiration risks. I also know there's the risk of a bad reaction to anesthesia, infection, the sutures breaking, etc. If it's his time there isn't diddly we can do about it but we want to give him the best chance possible.
nabi
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
I'm sure the DVM talked to you about Jake being at risk for aspiration pneumonia..don't want to scare you but it is something you need to watch out for...hope he responds quickly and completely to the meds..
USA_Traveler
Explorer
Sep 12, 2014
Jake has prayers and positive thoughts coming and to you as well. Stay strong and believe. Sounds like you have very good vet and that is always a good thing. We will be waiting to hear a update.
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Sep 12, 2014
Oh wow - that's one I've never heard of, and scary-sounding :-( Prayers for Jake and you, too!