Laryngeal paralysis; GOLPP

Lee debbie

, except that she's trying to balance his Yin/Yang and increase his Qi so there is a certain balance and that *should* iron things out. She also prescribed Heart Qi Tonic for both of them, so actually nothing specifically for LP.

Just a guess -- but there is a place at the top of the breastbone near where the larynx would be that is a "point".  When there is too much qi spasmodic coughing can result - and I've had my TCVM vet tell me to push my finger inside that 'ledge' at the top of the breastbone to "push the Qu down away" to stop coughing.  My guess is what she's doing will ultimately do what she's seeking to do and it does make sense to me that since that part of his throat isn't working stimulating Qi will help achieve that effect. 

Don't be afraid to check your own notes when you are ready to leave -- calling a vet BACK to get the answer to a question you **need** is not a bad thing.  I have to do it all the time.

Elevating his bowl is easy Debbie --

Take a cardboard box just a bit bigger around than his bowl (finding THAT is most of the hassle).  Turn his bowl over and trace the edge of it.  Carefully (DO be careful) cut the hole with a knife or scissors SMALLER than the edge of his dish (you can always make the hole *bigger* but you can't make it smaller again!!!).

Tape the box so all sides are secure.  Take either some cans of food or a couple of small bags of rice and put them in the BOTTOM of the box (so it doesn't tip over on him). 

If it "fits" well you can cover the whole thing with contact paper or something so you can wipe it off.  You may be surprised how elevating his bowl helps him -- they can get quite lightheaded I think if the blood isn't circulating when the neck is bent.  It's certainly WAY harder to eat and he may bolt his food trying to eat fast before he runs out of breath.

I have a food/water bowl stand. He still has to bend a little, but it's better than off the floor. I'll put some phone books below. Boxes will be a toy to him and he'll destroy it in 5 mins. 

The very first time the cardiologist said she was sure Ashton has LP, she spoke to Dr S, at the same time I asked Dr S if it can be managed with acupuncture and she said yes. So I'm assuming she's doing the acupuncture for that and his heart as well. She also told me about the acupoint at the breast bone, but she said to just press on it in times of heavy panting. So far, the notes I've been taking are the acupoints for the moxa thing. It's so hard to find the right spot because his ribs are hard to find. (he's b-i-g) But Dr S believes that it's also due to the moxa that Ashton is now not too warm-seeking and can stop di gu pi san. 

I hope stimulating the Qi would eventually balance it all out and help LP not progress too fast at least.

Lee debbie

Boxes will be a toy to him and he'll destroy it in 5 mins. 

Not if you weight it down inside and keep his bowl in it.  You have to have some serious weight in the bottom of it so it doesn't tip over.  If you just put something "under" the current feeder it will likely just slide off the phone book as soon as he sticks his nose in the bowl unless you somehow attach it to the feeder so it doesn't just slide off. 

 I tried testing heights plus the metal stand, too high, he couldn't stick his tongue onto the bottom of the bowl. I think it's ok to leave it at that height for now.