Laryngeal paralysis (LP) is the inability to abduct the arytenoid cartilages during inspiration, resulting in a partial to complete airway obstruction and consequent respiratory distress.

Different forms of LP with varying age of onset exist in dogs.

Hereditary early onset forms were reported in several dog breeds.

In most breeds, hereditary LP is associated with other neurologic pathologies.

Clinical signs include decreasing exercise tolerance, progressive laryngeal stridor, voice impairment, episodes of breathing difficulties and collapsing.

In the Bull Terrier and Miniature Bull Terrier, a genetic variant has been identified as a major genetic risk factor for an early onset form of laryngeal paralysis.

Dogs which are homozygous for the variant are at 23 fold increased risk of developing the disease, and therefore, dogs carrying the varian should be bred with clear dogs to avoid producing puppies with two copies of the variant.