Zoonotic? LP? Collar damage?

[DAWNMERIE]

Here's my story and I'll follow with some questions and would appreciate any thoughts or insight. I have not addressed this with my Home vet as of yet. It's just been a conversation between Vin and myself.

Last year, I was sick with something that we assumed was a virus. After it left, I was left with the feeling that something was caught in my throat after 6 months of it I went to the ENT and after the tests we (meaning ENT Dr & myself) assume that I contracted LVP, which is left vocal cord paralysis from that virus. Now, here's the zoonotic question, what's the chances that I could have passed this virus to the dog and he could have a similar situation?

I am aware of Lar Par and I am also thinking that the choke collar, I use could have done something to his throat. It's never been an issue until this rivalry thing going on with the dog next door, a rescued pit named Zack. If he knows he's outside, he makes a big stink, kicks up dirt and growls, one time he drug me to the fence. I've talked to the neighbors and they don't know Zack's background but they assume he's had issues with big dogs, (they noticed what he does when Zeke is around) so I don't think introducing them will be in the plans. So any pointers from anyone who has experienced something similar would be appreciated.

I've noticed over the past couple months he's panting more than I think he should be and he has a little cough here and there and after his Newf day ice cream, he went for a drink and coughed and threw up some water.

Maybe I'm over reacting??? I know that my throat was odd for almost a year and now I think I'm just used to it, have not gone back to ENT to confirm it's still paralyzed or not?? Every once in a while I get the feeling of something stuck.

Am I jumping the gun? How would they determine that it's LP or a virus or damage from a collar? My mind is running in different directions and I understand the only way to confirmation anything is by looking but how long would you wait? It's the hot months here so I also have that against me too. UGH, more grey hair!!!!

 

[mcme]

I don't know the answer to the virus question. This is just a thought; I don't know if it applies. I used a choke collar with my first two dogs, a husky, then a Newf. My next, a large Newf was very strong and my trainer suggested a prong collar. I thought they looked cruel, but she said they actually are safer than choke collars, which can damage the trachea. I researched, and she was right. I never noticed a problem from choke collars with my first two, but studies have been done that show damage. So maybe it could be the collar?
Others who have experience with lar par I'm sure can speak to that possibility. I hope it's something simple like the collar!

 

[wrknnwf]

I don't think you will find an answer to your question. I know that in large breed dogs, Lar Par is an acquired condition. In certain small breeds it can be an inherited problem.

It can happen as a result of physical trauma, stress, heat exhaustion, or any number of reasons. But if you suspect he has it, switch him to a no pull harness now. I'm using an Easy Walk. You will have to have him scoped if you want a definitive answer on whether or not he has it.

Due to Spirit's age, I decided not to do the tieback surgery and he get's along just fine, so far. But this problem can advance to worse stages. And that's where the harness comes in...to hopefully slow or abate the progression.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

Thank you for the responses, I know hard questions, just sucks that it kinda all has happened at the same time, cause otherwise I'd think Lar Par and not question it. He's currently going out without a collar since it's a fast potty break and I'm thinking that I better start re-training him (and bring some cheese with me when I go outside) to focus on me and see if I can get anywhere with that.

Not sure how to handle just yet but I guess it's time for a talk with the vet and maybe we'll wait until we get a break in the weather to see how he handles some exercise.

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

I don't have a lot of advice, but in previous conversations with vets, I understand it is very very rare for any viruses to pass between people and dogs. So I would not count on that being the cause.

If it was me, I would not wait too long to discuss with the vet. But switching to an EZ Walk or Sense-ation harness could be a good option to see if things get better, indicating he got irritated from the other collar. If things don't improve by doing that for a couple of weeks, I'd see the vet.