Steve, the amazing part about Abby is that four years ago during the season's end, she had difficulty breathing, and was heavily panting long after the hunt. I immediately took her to the vet who made a preliminary diagnosis that her larynx was showing signs of early paralysis the function of which is to automatically close off the windpipe when swallowing food or water. I was sent to Charleston where experts confirmed the diagnosis but felt that she wasn't at that time a surgery candidate. Eight months on August 24, 2022 her condition had worsened and the surgeon tied one side of the larynx against her trachea permanently opening her larynx. Untreated she would have eventually suffocated. Post surgery I was warned that any vomiting could potentially cause aspiration pneumonia and to not let her swim. That being on my radar, I caught early symptoms which were treated by antibiotics on three occasions. The surgeon told me her hunting days were over. I saw a retired MIchigan State veterinary school professor in a video interview wherein the vet sited studies that dogs post surgery could hunt and swim (as the epiglottis also blocks involuntary water in the lungs) but to only hunt in cool conditions to prevent overheating which dovetails perfectly with our woodcock season. I only hunt in cool to cold conditions as I want to also avoid active snakes. She just completed her fourth season since the surgery and has been remarkable without regard to age. Geriatric Onset of Laryngenal Paralysis Polyneuropathy (GOLPP) typically occurs at age 11 (Bingo!) and is more common in Labs and Goldens, but also occurs in Brittanys. It is a neurological disease which and also affect rear legs. Abby is okay in that regard. Gil