[quote=GLS]"Whadda you looking at???" in her Joe Pesci Goodfellas voice says Willa. Picked up a few birds Tuesday. Other half of MuttPak, Abby, has been permanently benched due to onset of laryngenal paralysis which interferes with breathing thus no stamina. I had never heard of the disorder until it affected Abby. After my local vets examined her while sedated, they could neither confirm nor rule out the disorder so they recommended specialist referral which I did last week in Charleston. Three DVM's, a criticalist, cardiologist and surgeon examined her while sedated and confirmed mild case of LP but too early for the tieback surgery to open airway. Once that is done, no swimming or hunting as there is a risk of aspiration pneumonia as the larnyx would be permanently opened and doesn't block water or food reflexively while eating, drinking or swimming. She's at risk now, but not as much as she would be post surgery. However, they recommended retirement at age 11. So for the rest of her life, it's the couch, bon-bons and Oprah. She's been a great field dog and companion. We'll monitor the condition and do the surgery when the time comes. Gil


My sympathies.

We have a 14 1/2 year old Brittany (Blondie the woodcock princess) that developed the same disorder about 1 1/2 years ago.

Since onset, no hunting or other stressful exercise & it has progressed to the point that any excitement or stress will bring on severe breathing issues & collapse. Due to her age we are not considering the tieback procedure.

Best of luck to you & Abby