Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Comparing two dog surgeries for elongated soft palate treatment
By Tambella, Adolfo Maria et al.·Published in Research in veterinary science·2025·School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Staphylectomy with Onemytis Airplasma versus carbon dioxide laser to correct elongated soft palate: A prospective, randomized, clinical, histological and immunohistochemical trial in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 36 dogs with elongated soft palates, a condition that can cause breathing problems, underwent surgery to correct the issue using two different techniques: Onemytis Airplasma and CO2 laser. Both methods were effective in improving the dogs' conditions, but the Onemytis technique was quicker and caused less damage to surrounding tissues. Owners reported satisfaction with both procedures, but the Onemytis method showed better results in terms of tissue healing. Overall, both surgical options are viable, but Onemytis may be the preferred choice for its efficiency and reduced invasiveness.
People also search for: dog breathing problems surgery · elongated soft palate treatment for dogs · Onemytis Airplasma vs CO2 laser for dogs
Abstract
Elongated soft palate is a pathological condition that frequently affects dogs and is often treated surgically by staphylectomy. The aim of the study was to compare clinical efficacy and tissue invasiveness of two staphylectomy techniques: Onemytis® with Airplasma® technology versus CO₂ laser. Thirty-six dogs with elongated soft palate were included in a prospective, randomized clinical trial and allocated into two groups: 18 in Group OM (Onemytis®) and 18 in Group CO2 (COlaser). Outcomes assessed included clinical parameters (clinical score, surgical duration, owner satisfaction), histological features (edema, thermal damage, hyperemia, margin regularity), and immunohistochemical markers (Caspase-3, Heat Shock Proteins, T.U.N.E.L expression) to evaluate surgical efficacy and iatrogenic injury. The clinical outcome showed satisfactory and similar clinical efficacy for both surgical techniques (P > 0.05). The duration of surgery with Onemytis® was significantly shorter (P = 0.0004). Histological (P < 0.0001) and immunohistochemical analyses (HSP and T.U.N.E.L: P < 0.0001; Caspase-3: P > 0.05) consistently indicated that Onemytis® was less invasive than CO₂ laser, causing reduced collateral tissue damage. Both instruments are suitable in performing staphylectomy in dogs with elongated soft palate, however the results of the present study suggest that Onemytis® is faster and induces less trauma on pharyngeal tissue compared to COlaser.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40554294/