Sub clinical swallowing problems in old dogs

RE: Sub clinical swallowing problems in old dogs

Clare Tapsfield-Wright — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 21:40:12 GMT

[quote user="Andrew Kent"]

Hi Clare,

Is there any evidence of laryngeal dysfunction?

Older labradors are very over-represented with a geriatric onset polyneuropathy which often presents initially as laryngeal paralysis but up to 75% of dogs will also have some degree of oesophageal dysfunction.

It can, over time, progress to more generalised muscle weakness which could then lead to muscle wastage.

Michigan state have done much of the work on this, they have a site with more info here.

Andy

This is so interesting Andrew as although no sign of laryngeal paralysis she has all the signs of polyneuropathy affecting hind limbs progressively . I assumed some CDRM or spondylosis but fits with the link above , thank you . She a very happy wobbly dog in her twilight months

[/quote]

RE: Sub clinical swallowing problems in old dogs

Hannah Wynne Richards — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 19:27:31 GMT

Have you radiographed chest - I'm thinking of a mediastinal mass which may affect recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Wynne

RE: Sub clinical swallowing problems in old dogs

Andrew Kent — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 18:45:22 GMT

Hi Clare,

Is there any evidence of laryngeal dysfunction?

It can, over time, progress to more generalised muscle weakness which could then lead to muscle wastage.

Michigan state have done much of the work on this, they have a site with more info here.

Andy

RE: Sub clinical swallowing problems in old dogs

Clare Tapsfield-Wright — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 18:13:17 GMT

[quote user="villagevet"]

My own old dog is similar, does better on altered textures /consistencies than dry food. Does also have generalised muscle loss. Interested to hear opinions on altered oesophageal motility, muscle weakness or reduced saliva production. Gums often drier than physical assessment of hydration would suggest also.

[/quote]thats interesting as mine also has muscle wastage, 14 yo lab

RE: Sub clinical swallowing problems in old dogs

Clare Tapsfield-Wright — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 18:10:30 GMT

I don't think so , her teeth look fine to me , and she doesn't seem to present as mouth pain at all , eating other solid food sources without a problem eg carrot , apple, meat . she did a bit of coughing and spluttering on eating dry food initially , then refused it altogether. I was just wondering having seen the problem in several ageing humans recently.

RE: Sub clinical swallowing problems in old dogs

Niall Taylor — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 16:29:44 GMT

[quote user="Clare Tapsfield-Wright"]i observed that my old dog appeared hungry but unwilling to eat her usual dry food. On adding liquid to it she ate it with gusto and has regained weight which is a great relief...[/quote]

Could it be a dental problem?

Niall

RE: Sub clinical swallowing problems in old dogs

Lindsey Edwards — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 15:32:21 GMT