Laryngeal stent for acute and chronic respiratory distress in seven dogs with laryngeal paralysis

Abstract

Background: Laryngeal paralysis, failure of arytenoid cartilage, and vocal fold abduction are commonly seen in older medium to large breed dogs. Observation of laryngeal function in dogs and cats is performed by transoral visualization. There are a variety of surgical techniques; aspiration pneumonia is the most common complication associated with surgical correction of laryngeal paralysis. The aim of this case series is to report on the placement of a laryngeal silicone stent in seven dogs with laryngeal paralysis and its use as an alternative treatment of respiratory distress caused by laryngeal paralysis and/or its use for laryngeal stenosis as complication of laryngeal paralysis surgery.Case description: Seven dogs presented with either episode of gagging, mild-to-severe inspiratory distress, or cyanosis because of a laryngeal paralysis or laryngeal stenosis. In each case, the laryngeal paralysis was diagnosed by direct laryngoscopy. They were treated with a silicone laryngeal stent (Stening®) that substantially improved the clinical signs. Each dog had a different outcome because of other pathologies; however, the laryngeal pathology was successfully treated with the stent.Conclusion: The placement of the laryngeal stent is an easy technique to learn and practice, it could avoid the lifethreatening complications of the laryngeal paralysis at the acute phase, and it could be a noninvasive and long-term alternative therapy for laryngeal paralysis in dogs. The results in these clinical cases are encouraging for considering the laryngeal stent as a therapeutic alternative.
 Key words: Canine, Polyneuropathy, Prosthesis, Surgery.

Laryngeal silicone stent as a treatment option for laryngeal paralysis in dogs: a preliminary study of 6 cases

“…This study included only dogs with acquired bilateral idiopathic laryngeal paralysis. This differs from Ricart et al [ 12 ], who included a more comprehensive array of laryngeal diseases, such as laryngeal neoplasia, or laryngeal stenosis. The signalment of these dogs is similar to that previously reported in the veterinary literature in terms of age (mean age of 11 yr) and breed (Retrievers and Brittany Spaniels) [ 1 7 ].…”

“…They can also be extracted easily if the stent is not well tolerated by the patient. Multiple-sized stents were used in the present case series compared to Ricart et al [ 12 ], where only a one-sized stent was used. The availability of different sizes means many different breeds could benefit from this technique.…”

“…A case series describing the use of laryngeal stents for treating acute and chronic respiratory distress in seven dogs was recently published [ 12 ]. All seven dogs presented with laryngeal paralysis from various causes (laryngeal neoplasia, laryngeal stenosis due to fibrosis, or idiopathic neuropathy), with encouraging treatment results.…”

Unrecognized difficult airway management during anesthesia in two brachycephalic dogs with narrow cricoid cartilage

“…The prognosis of the subglottic stenosis and its treatment in the dogs could not be determined, but both dogs were discharged from the hospital. The placement of laryngeal stent can be an alternative therapy for laryngeal stenosis in dogs [11].…”

Diagnosis of a sublaryngeal abscess in a Japanese Black calf using computed tomography

“…Conventional imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, radiography, and endoscopy, are commonly used for diagnostic purposes in small and production animal medicine [ 1 , 4 , 13 , 16 , 17 ].…”