10-year-old male golden retriever has recently developed random periods of raspy breathing, difficulty in swallowing, of coughing, and loud throat clearing ("honking") -- may owe to abnormal formation of throat or even laryngeal paralysis (a neurological condition).  (video)

Elliott is a 14-year-old turkey, beaver, lab, retriever mix with a can-do attitude. Empirical by nature, Elliott became my attorney at 8 months old. Since then, his presence has become permanent, and his ongoing counsel is critical. I admire E's consistency and exuberance most; "No stick left behind" is his mantra.


_WORDSTH ARE GOLD & SO IS HE
If you know Elliott, you know he always has a lot to say. His voice is deep and strong, he is unapologetic of hs lingering lisps, which grows pronounced during sticky situations incredulous in nature. All attempts at speech pathology were thwarted in ''05 when RT America leaked his canine-inity, thus, my stick obsessed,  friend never received therapy--speciesism at its best. Next,  maintains  a moderate Russian accent that he attributes to his time at the Kremlin. 

Elliott has reached the golden years, SSI is scarce,  and arthritis is a b***. But the one thing I know for certain is that he has a few more stories to tell (as well as a few more sticks to rescue).

Sadly, Elliott has developed laryngeal paralysis, a progressive, neurological condition, affecting the larynx (aka voice box). A normal larynx--human or canine--has muscles that open and close each time we swallow or breath. Elliot's larynx is steadily weakening (thereby not opening/closing properly). The process is asphyxiating him slowly. Sooner than later, he will suffocate fully from LP.

Fortunately, LP is NOT a death sentence, especially when dogs undergo a simple surgery known as an arytenoid tie back. The procedure involves permanent sutures which hold open arytenoid cartilage so that oxygen can easily pass through the larynx. It’s minimally invasive; just a small incision on the side of his neck. 

Here's another full case study, showing before and after the surgery: Diesel's Story posted by the AnimalERspecialty, 

The prognosis of tieback surgery  is excellent, especially on healthy dogs.
AND ELLIOTT is a HEALTHY DOG, After several diagnostics, including x-rays, bloodwork, urinalysis, assessments, etc., vets determined that Elliott is in impeccable shape: muscle tone good, tumors benign thus far, light-footed and spirited.

You may believe it wasteful to spend approx. $3500 for surgery on such an old soul. Yet after intense deliberation, weighing pros and cons, considering Elliott's quality of life, surgery is the answer.

Elliott has been approved, cleared by a pre-surgical analysis (a few days ago), and has shook paws with a surgeon at Valley Oak Veterinary Hospital in Chico (closest/appropriate/excellent feedback) He meets the good doctor again on Tuesday 8/16. at 9 a.m.  The final step, as you've guessed: surgeon compensation. Today  is a final push to raise cost of surgery, which will NOT happen without your help. Elliott's stick offering was considered but denied. "Whateversth," he said.  

Most of you know what E means to me, so now, I leave you with this message from E-dawg: “Make it rainth peopleth.”  GO TO