Outcome of 45 Dogs With Laryngeal Paralysis Treated by Unilateral Arytenoid Lateralization or Bilateral Ventriculocordectomy

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess risk factors and complications affecting postoperative outcome of dogs with laryngeal paralysis treated by either unilateral arytenoid lateralization (UAL) or bilateral ventriculocordectomy (VCC). Medical records of all dogs having either UAL or VCC between 2000 and 2011 were analyzed. Twenty-five dogs had VCC and 20 dogs had UAL. The overall postoperative complications rates for VCC and UAL were similar (52% and 60%, respectively; P = .0887). Dogs that had UAL were more likely to have acute postoperative respiratory distress and aspiration pneumonia (P = .0526). Dogs with VCC were more likely to have chronic postoperative respiratory distress and aspiration pneumonia (P = .0079). Revision surgery was required in 6 dogs (24%) following VCC and 2 dogs (10%) following UAL. Sex, breed, presenting complaint, type of service provided, and concurrent diseases were not significantly associated with higher risk of either death or decreased survival time postoperatively with either procedure. Overall postoperative complication rates, required revision surgeries, and episodes of aspiration pneumonia were similar in dogs undergoing UAL and VCC surgeries. Dogs that had VCC appeared to have an increased risk of lifelong complications postoperatively compared with UAL; therefore, VCC may not be the optimal choice for treatment of laryngeal paralysis.

Effect of Metoclopramide on the Incidence of Early Postoperative Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs with Acquired Idiopathic Laryngeal Paralysis

“…The signalment, history, and physical examination results of the cohort were similar to previous reports on canine idiopathic laryngeal paralysis. Likewise, the frequency of aspiration pneumonia was consistent with the ranges reported from prior studies in dogs with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis . Most reports do not provide information specific to the timing of aspiration pneumonia relative to unilateral arytenoid lateralization surgery.…”

“…Acquired idiopathic laryngeal paralysis is a condition manifesting as inspiratory dyspnea in affected dogs, because of failure of abduction of the arytenoid cartilages . Surgical treatment aims to reduce airway resistance through the larynx and unilateral arytenoid lateralization is a frequently used technique .…”

Comparison of bacterial cultures of the larynx between dogs with laryngeal paralysis and normal dogs

“…, Bahr et al . , Wilson & Monnet ). A presumptive diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia is commonly made using a combination of history, clinical signs and thoracic radiographic evidence of pneumonia.…”

Recurrent bacterial pneumonia in Irish Wolfhounds: Clinical findings and etiological studies

“…Bronchopneumonia most often is caused by opportunistic bacteria belonging to the normal oropharyngeal flora, which emphasizes the importance of predisposing factors in the development of BP . Several predisposing factors to the development of BP have been described in dogs, including infections with respiratory viruses, ciliary defects, an immune deficit, and conditions predisposing to aspiration, such as laryngeal dysfunction, decreased esophageal motility, recent anesthesia, or neurological disease …”