Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog survival and complications after laryngeal paralysis surgery
By MacPhail, C M & Monnet, E·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2001·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Outcome of and postoperative complications in dogs undergoing surgical treatment of laryngeal paralysis: 140 cases (1985-1998).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 140 dogs with laryngeal paralysis underwent surgery to help them breathe better. Unfortunately, about one-third of these dogs experienced complications after the surgery, with aspiration pneumonia being the most common issue. Some dogs did not survive due to these complications, especially those that had more severe health problems or underwent a specific type of surgery called bilateral arytenoid lateralization. The study highlights that while surgery can help, it carries significant risks, and dogs may face ongoing respiratory issues even after recovery.
People also search for: dog laryngeal paralysis surgery complications · aspiration pneumonia in dogs · laryngeal paralysis treatment options for dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of various surgical techniques for treatment of laryngeal paralysis in dogs and determine incidence and risk factors for development of postoperative complications. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 140 dogs undergoing surgical treatment for laryngeal paralysis at a veterinary teaching hospital between 1985 and 1998. PROCEDURE: Data were analyzed to determine outcome and factors influencing outcome and development of complications. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed for survival analysis. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were documented in 48 (34.3%) dogs; 20 (14.3%) dogs died of related causes. Aspiration pneumonia was the most common complication (33; 23.6%). Seven dogs died of aspiration pneumonia > 1 year after surgery. Dogs that underwent bilateral arytenoid lateralization were significantly more likely to develop complications and significantly less likely to survive than were dogs that underwent unilateral arytenoid lateralization or partial laryngectomy. Factors that were significantly associated with a higher risk of dying or of developing complications included age, temporary tracheostomy placement, concurrent respiratory tract abnormalities, concurrent esophageal disease, postoperative megaesophagus, concurrent neoplastic disease, and concurrent neurologic disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that surgical repair of laryngeal paralysis may be associated with high postoperative complication and mortality rates. Surgical technique and concurrent problems or diseases increased the risk of complications. Dogs appeared to have a life-long risk of developing respiratory tract complications following surgical correction.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11417740/