Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Left vagus nerve retraction linked to voice paralysis after heart
By Manzoni, S et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2025·VetTeam·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Effects of left vagus nerve retraction on post-operative unilateral left-sided laryngeal paralysis following surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs that had surgery to close a heart defect called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) were monitored for signs of left-sided laryngeal paralysis, which can cause breathing issues. Out of 40 dogs, 12.5% developed this condition after surgery, but the surgery itself was successful, with all dogs surviving and the heart defect fully closed. Heavier dogs were found to be at a higher risk for developing laryngeal paralysis, but the technique used during surgery did not seem to affect this risk. If your dog shows signs like noisy breathing, changes in their bark, or trouble exercising after such surgery, a check of their laryngeal function is advised.
People also search for: dog breathing problems after heart surgery · laryngeal paralysis in dogs · patent ductus arteriosus surgery recovery
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at determining the incidence of left-sided laryngeal paralysis in dogs that underwent patent ductus arteriosus open surgical ligation and at identifying whether left vagus nerve retraction during surgery might be a risk factor for post-operative left-sided laryngeal paralysis development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records for dogs referred to our clinic for surgical patent ductus arteriosus closure between July 2012 and May 2022 were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were echocardiographic diagnosis of left-to-right shunting patent ductus arteriosus, standard surgical ligation of the patent ductus arteriosus, short-term follow-up at 30 days and long-term follow-up for at least 365 days. RESULTS: Of the 40 dogs included, left vagus nerve retraction was performed during surgical dissection in 25 dogs. All dogs survived the surgery, with full closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in 100% of cases. The overall incidence of post-operative left-sided laryngeal paralysis was 12.5%. Heavier weight was significantly associated with a greater risk of left-sided laryngeal paralysis after surgery (odds ratio = 1.19; P = 0.044). Left vagus nerve retraction during surgery was not significantly associated with left-sided laryngeal paralysis risk (P = 0.996). No dogs required arytenoid lateralisation. In long-term follow-up, 37/40 dogs remained alive at an average of 1874 days after surgery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Endoscopic evaluation of laryngeal function after surgical patent ductus arteriosus ligation is recommended when dogs present with inspiratory stridor, vocal changes, exercise intolerance or regurgitation post-operatively.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40251352/