GOLPP Awareness: More Than Just “Getting Old”

GOLPP (Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis Polyneuropathy) is a progressive neurological disorder. While common in seniors, a juvenile form can affect puppies as early as 4 to 6 months old. It is also vital to know that carriers of the gene can still display physical symptoms.

Comprehensive Symptoms and Physical Changes

• Skull and Facial Atrophy: Visible muscle wasting around the skull and head area.

• Premature Graying: Developing a gray muzzle or face much earlier than normal.

• Voice and Howl Changes: A raspy bark, higher-pitched howl, or a total loss of voice.

• Breathing Issues: Gagging, choking, or loud, heavy breathing (stridor).

• Severe Muscle Atrophy: Wasting of muscles in the hind legs, head, or mouth area.

• Systemic Failure: Sporadic pain throughout the body, loss of tail function, and loss of bowel or bladder control.

• The “U-Shape” Posture: Dogs will often twist their entire body into a “U-shape” just to move because of a broken gait and loss of proprioception (not knowing where their feet are).

Protecting the Joints and Nerves

You have to protect the body while you still can. Early intervention with supplements is key:

• Nerve Coating (Myelin Sheath) Protection: Use Vitamin B12 and Omega-3s (Fish Oil/EPA/DHA) to protect the myelin sheath and reduce the inflammation that causes nerve degeneration.

• Joint Support: Use Chondroitin and other joint-protective supplements to support the skeletal system before the heavy front-end weight shift causes permanent damage.

• Front-End Overload: Because the hind end fails, the dog shifts all weight forward. You must protect those front joints because they are doing double the work.

Critical Daily Management

• Reduce Stress: Stress is a major enemy for a GOLPP dog. You must cut back on stress items and keep their environment calm, as high stress can trigger a breathing crisis.

• Ditch the Collars: Switch to a harness only. Any pressure on the neck can physically restrict the airway.

• Calorie and Weight Control: Cut calories to keep them lean. Excess neck fat puts physical pressure on the airway.

• High Protein: Increase protein by up to 50% to help maintain muscle mass.

• Hydrotherapy: Use underwater treadmills to build muscle without joint strain. The water also keeps them cool to prevent airway inflammation.

Critical Risks & Expected Life

• Secondary Pneumonia: Most dogs with GOLPP die from secondary pneumonia caused by aspiration.

• Expectancy: With surgical correction or careful management, the median survival time is 3 to 5 years.

A Call to Action for Breeders

The only way to protect future generations of our giants is through responsible breeding practices:

• Mandatory DNA Testing: Never breed a dog that has not been DNA tested for GOLPP markers.

• Stop Breeding Carriers: We must stop breeding carriers and non-tested dogs entirely.

• Ethical Accountability: It is our responsibility as breeders to prioritize health and genetics over everything else to ensure these dogs have a chance at a long, pain-free life.

Awareness and early intervention are the best ways to support our giants.