damaged larynx on dogs

Question
I took my almost 13 year old dog to the vet for a routine check-up.  She was muzzled to keep her "honest".  Bailie had two hot spots that were shaved.  She was not happy.  One tech was holding her and another came in while the vet drew blood.  While this was happening, she calmed down but was foaming at the mouth and gasping.  I said she is foaming, and was told it was from stress.  She was given two shots and released, she just collapsed.  The muzzle was removed and she laid there with all four legs out, her tongue hanging out, her tongue was white.  She was not breathing or barely breathing.  The Dr called for oxygen and tubes, the tube could not be used b/c her larynx was closed.  The Dr told me that this was normal for some dogs under stress situations.  It took almost five minutes before her tongue was pink again.  The Dr told me to watch her that this could happen again.  How common is this to happen to a dog?  Could the tech have been holding her wrong?  She has never had anything like this before.  The Dr told me that she may need surgery to correct the problem.  Am I right to be concerned that she was mishandled?

Answer
Hi Michele,

I've read that older dogs can develop something called "Laryngeal Paralysis". It can happen to any breed dog, but is especially common in the large breeds. It can be a terrible condition to watch any dog suffer through. They are very uncomfortable during an episode, and in severe cases can develop cyanosis (a blue color to the gums) from lack of oxygen.
You can read more about Laryngeal Paralysis, here:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1571&articleid=861

Perhaps something along along these lines happened to your dog while she was under the stress of being muzzled, and having blood drawn.

It might be a good idea if your dog received a mild sedative just prior to her next vet exam, so things don't escalate to an emergency.

I hope that helps.
Best of luck,
Patti