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Laryngeal paralysis in dogs: an update on recent knowledge
Adriaan M Kitshoff1, Bart Van Goethem, Ludo Stegen
1Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium. adriaan.kitshoff@ugent.be
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|May 31, 2013
Summary
Laryngeal paralysis in dogs occurs when the arytenoid cartilages cannot abduct, causing breathing difficulties. Diagnosis is often clinical, with prognosis varying by cause, but surgical correction offers improved survival times.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Canine Neurology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Laryngeal paralysis (LP) impedes arytenoid cartilage abduction during inspiration, leading to airway obstruction.
- Causes include congenital and acquired factors like trauma, neoplasia, and polyneuropathy.
- Geriatric onset laryngeal paralysis polyneuropathy is common in older, large breed dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and prognosis of laryngeal paralysis in dogs.
- To highlight the role of geriatric onset laryngeal paralysis polyneuropathy as a common cause of acquired LP.
- To discuss the impact of etiology on prognosis following surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Clinical sign assessment and historical data analysis for diagnosis.
- Laryngeal inspection for confirmation.
- Evaluation of prognosis based on underlying etiology (traumatic, neoplastic, polyneuropathic, idiopathic).
Main Results:
- Clinical diagnosis of LP demonstrates high sensitivity (90%).
- Prognosis is favorable for traumatic cases.
- Tumor- or polyneuropathy-induced LP carries a guarded prognosis.
- Acquired idiopathic LP shows a median survival of 3-5 years post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Laryngeal paralysis significantly impacts canine respiration, with varied etiologies.
- Early clinical diagnosis is highly effective.
- Prognosis and survival are strongly linked to the underlying cause of laryngeal paralysis.
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