Evaluation of temporary palatopexy to manage brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in dogs in respiratory distress.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of temporary palatopexy procedure as a treatment for brachycephalic dogs in severe respiratory distress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective pilot study, seven client-owned brachycephalic dogs in severe respiratory distress, requiring emergent intubation or failing extubation, had a temporary palatopexy placed using a novel suture pattern. RESULTS: Six out of seven dogs were successfully extubated less than 2 hours post palatopexy and survived to discharge. One dog failed extubation secondary to worsening lower airway disease and laryngeal collapse. That patient was euthanased. The only noted complication was regurgitation in two dogs; however, one had pre-existing gastrointestinal signs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Temporary palatopexy is a relatively simple procedure that may be a useful method for managing brachycephalic dogs in an upper airway crisis. This could avoid the need for prolonged intubation, emergency tracheostomy, re-intubation or euthanasia in dogs where costs, access to specialists and availability of referral centres are limited.