Today's post is inspired by our birthday boy, Fletcher! Happy birthday, good boy!

Laryngeal Paralysis is very common in older Labradors and Golden Retrievers, but can be seen in any medium to large breed dog. In most cases, it's part of a larger condition called Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis Polyneuropathy (GOLPP). You'll see the typical signs associated with laryngeal paralysis--roaring sound when breathing, poor heat tolerance, coughing when eating/drinking--and over time (months to a year or more), you'll also see knuckling and problems with balance and gait in the back legs.

Acupuncture is great for slowing down this nerve degeneration and improving function. In many cases, including Fletcher's, acupuncture has also helped decrease the frequency and severity of coughing, and has helped him with pain associated with his arthritis!

I feel so lucky that Fletcher wanted to have me over for his special day--I got lots of smooches from the birthday boy!