Disease overview

Laryngeal Paralysis is an inherited brain and spinal cord condition. Laryngeal paralysis is caused by degeneration of the nerves and muscles that move components of the larynx to allow for proper breathing.

Gene name

RAPGEF6

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Signs may include noisy or raspy breathing, difficulty breathing and/or swallowing, changes in barking frequency and quality, exercise intolerance, high-stepping, uncoordinated gait, stumbling and tripping, and limb muscle atrophy.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. Inspection of the larynx with an endoscope may be performed. Neurological tests, including imaging, may be required for a definitive diagnosis. Genetic testing is necessary to determine if there is an underlying genetic cause, which can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Hadji Rasouliha S, Barrientos L, Anderegg L, Klesty C, Lorenz J, Chevallier L, Jagannathan V, Rösch S, Leeb T. A RAPGEF6 variant constitutes a major risk factor for laryngeal paralysis in dogs. PLoS Genet. 2019 Oct 24;15(10):e1008416. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008416. PMID: 31647804; PMCID: PMC6812752.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.