Laryngeal collapse in seven brachycephalic puppies

Abstract

The development of severe secondary laryngeal changes in dogs aged six months or less supports the suggestion that immature brachycephalic dogs should undergo assessment and, if indicated, surgery as soon as any clinical signs of BAS are apparent.

Laryngeal collapse as a primary disease in English Bull Terriers

“…Laryngeal collapse is a progressive condition characterised by a loss of cartilage rigidity which allows medial deviation of the rostral laryngeal cartilages (Pink and others 2006, Torrez and Hunt 2006, White 2012). The condition is usually considered to be secondary to chronic upper airway obstruction, most commonly in brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) due to the excessive intraluminal pressure changes during the respiratory cycle.…”

“…The condition is usually considered to be secondary to chronic upper airway obstruction, most commonly in brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) due to the excessive intraluminal pressure changes during the respiratory cycle. These pressure changes lead to cartilage fatigue, and repetitive cartilage deformation results in obstruction of the rima glottidis (Pink and others 2006). Direct trauma may also disrupt the laryngeal cartilages thereby allowing medial collapse (Fossum 2013).…”

“…The compressed nasal passage is associated with a relatively elongated and thickened soft palate, abnormal nasal turbinates and distortion of the pharyngeal soft tissues. Primary features also include stenotic nares and a hypoplastic trachea (Pink and others 2006, Torrez and Hunt 2006, Riecks and others 2007, De Lorenzi and others 2009, Fasanella and others 2010). Affected animals may possess one or more of these abnormalities which all contribute to varying degrees of upper airway obstruction (Riecks and others 2007).…”

“…Affected animals may possess one or more of these abnormalities which all contribute to varying degrees of upper airway obstruction (Riecks and others 2007). Laryngeal collapse is classified as a secondary disease resulting from the progression of BAS (Pink and others 2006, Bernaerts and others 2010, Fasanella and others 2010, Mercurio 2011, White 2012). …”

“…This causes exaggerated negative pressures in the airway which results in secondary conditions such as everted laryngeal saccules, laryngeal collapse and everted tonsils (Pink and others 2006, Torrez and Hunt 2006, Riecks and ­others 2007, White 2012). BAS is characterised by exercise intolerance, coughing, gagging and stertorous breathing which may progress to severe dyspnoea, orthopnoea, hyperthermia, cyanosis and syncope (Pink and others 2006, Torrez and Hunt 2006, Riecks and others 2007, Fasanella and others 2010). …”