I have a Labrador who will soon be 13 years old. For the past 6 months he has been coughing and making a gagging sound ( as if he has something stuck in his throat)The cough is a dry, almost honking sound. He does NOT bring anything up, this can happen upto 6 or 7 times a day (though on some days it can happen only once or twice. Two months ago I took him to the vet. He checked his heart and lungs and he said that they were fine. He gave me some atibiotics and some anti-inflamitary tabs. But, two months on, he is still coughing. I have searched the internet and his symptoms do match thoes of "Kennel Cough" but all information suggests that Kennel Cough only lasts a few weeks! Apart from the coughing he is in fine health, big appetite and when he is out walking he is running around like a two year old and he hardly ever coughs when he is running around. I have noticed that a coughing fit can also be brought on when he gets excited (When I get his lead and he knows he is going for a walk). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi.
Has his voice changed? does it seem more high pitched or squeaky?
It could be Laryngeal paralasys, Labs do get it. I think if he has had anti-biotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, and his chest and lungs are ok, it stands a fair chance. It will need to be confirmed by a specialist, you will need to be referred by your vet , they will confirm it. Surgery is successful, they tie back the vocal cords, because they are collapsing and suffercating the dog. I may be wrong, but I would investigate that avenue if I were you. Keep us informed and good luck.
Dawn.

My mother's Golden did this - he had a 'penchant' for eating paper and had a bit stuck in his throat. The vet recommended giving him a small bit of bread liberally smeared with honey every few hours, and after a day or so it cured it. Worth a try, seeing as you've done about everything else.

Good luck :)

As this has been going on for 6 months I would ask the vet to check his heart. If it is a heart problem medication is available to help your dog.

Hi Guest,

It could well be Laryngeal Paralysis.
If you would like to feel free to email me my Dad's 12/13 year old has just had a op for Laryngeal Paralysis so can help with any advice etc.

karen.tanner1@btinternet.com

Karen

Karen isnt it a lot to put an old dog through? thirteen is a good age for a lab. But if its a success then Im pleased he is ok I just always thought paralasys of the larynx to be a sign of old age and a lot for a dog to put up with

Not at all Mattie, It is 100% curable and the dog is 100% afterwards, the death of a dog with Larangeal paralasys is horrific, they literally do suffercate, tying the vocal cords back brings them back to their old self again, right from straight after the op.
Dawn.

Hi guest

I lost a dog to throat cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) and the symptoms are also as you describe :(
I hope it turns out to be nothing as nasty as this was. The cancer was found when the vet knocked him out and had a good examination down his throat. I'd been fobbed off with a few reasons for the gagging before I insisted they looked further. Unfortunately by then it was too late for him :(
Lara x