Outcome of two variations of a surgical technique performed for canine unilateral arytenoid lateralisation

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study is to compare the rate of aspiration pneumonia and survival time of dogs undergoing two unilateral arytenoid lateralisation (UAL) techniques.Methods Eighty dogs diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis were treated by one of two UAL techniques: (1) a standard technique (ST) and (2) an anatomic preservation technique (APT). Outcome was assessed by in clinic re-examination and an owner follow-up questionnaire.Results Minor complications were reported for 22 per cent of dogs undergoing ST and 26 per cent for APT. Major complications were 7 per cent for ST versus 23 per cent for APT. Postoperative aspiration pneumonia was reported for 7 per cent of cases in ST and 17 per cent in APT. The median survival time for ST was 636 days and was 1067 days for APT. Cause of death was related to the laryngeal paralysis in 22 per cent, neurological deterioration in 16 per cent and for non-associated reasons in 59 per cent of cases. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of aspiration pneumonia or survival time among the treatment groups. Owners reported that their dogs improved after both surgical procedures, with 90 per cent of the owners satisfied with the surgical outcome. Eighteen per cent of the dogs suffered recurrence of clinical signs.Conclusions In this study, there was no significant difference in risk of aspiration pneumonia or survival time following arytenoid lateralisation by either an ST or an APT.

Comparison of immediate and short‐term outcomes of cricoarytenoid and thyroarytenoid lateralization in dogs with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis

“…There were no apparent differences between the 2 procedures concerning the clinical outcome and exercise tolerance. This suggests that, although CAL resulted in a larger increase in the rima glottidis area ( P < .05), it provided no short‐ or medium‐term advantage over TAL.Some studies have suggested that CAL may increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia because the epiglottis does not cover the entire rima glottidis 8,10,32–34 . None of our cases developed signs indicating aspiration pneumonia or other complications in the 15‐day postoperative period.…”

Evaluation of two unilateral laryngoplasty techniques and their effect on arytenoid cartilage abduction in cats

“…In the dog, a number of previous experimental and in vivo studies investigating the effects of various modifications to the arytenoid lateralisation technique have been described. 16,18,19,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28] In general, these have used the area of rima glottidis as an outcome measurement for each technique's effectiveness. 16,[18][19][20]23,28 For consistency of study design, in this study, attempts were made to use the area of the rima glottidis as an outcome measurement.…”

“…In the dog, a number of previous experimental and in vivo studies investigating the effects of various modifications to the arytenoid lateralisation technique have been described. 16 , 18 , 19 , 22 – 28 In general, these have used the area of rima glottidis as an outcome measurement for each technique’s effectiveness. 16 , 18 – 20 , 23 , 28 …”

Effect of doxepin on quality of life in Labradors with laryngeal paralysis: A double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial

“…Clinical consequences include changes in bark tone, exercise intolerance, coughing, respiratory distress, hyperthermia, aspiration pneumonia, and death 6,8 . Many dogs with severe clinical signs require surgery, the most common procedure being unilateral arytenoid lateralization 1,2,9–11 …”

“…Complications include immediate postoperative respiratory distress (short‐term) and failure to resolve clinical signs (long‐term) 1,12 . Between 8% and 21% of dogs develop aspiration pneumonia after surgery 4,9,12–14 . An alternative medical treatment that ameliorates clinical signs or delays the need for surgery in dogs with laryngeal paralysis is highly desirable.…”