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Veterinary
Surgery
In OKC Near Edmond 405-751-3920 |
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Laryngeal Paralysis Release Instructions LARYNGEAL PARALYSIS Who is usually affected? -Older, large breed dogs -Most commonly found in Labrador retrievers What is happening? -Nerves that supply the "voice box" (larynx) become dysfunctional -Larnyx does not open enough for proper breathing nor does it close properly when eating/drinking -During excitement, heat stress, and exercise, dogs will breathe harder causing the airway to swell which makes breathing even more noisy and difficult Clinical signs you might notice in your pet -Increased panting -Noisy breathing, particularly when exercising or excited -Normal bark may become hoarse or soft -Decreased ability or willingness to exercise particularly on warm days -In severe cases breathing efforts may become distressed causing possible collapse or heat stroke Diagnosis -Under carefully monitored anesthesia the larynx is visually inspected (laryngoscopy) -X-rays are frequently used to evaluate the respiratory system -Clinical signs Surgical treatment -Surgery is the only permanent correction. An arytenoid lateralization is a procedure that uses sutures to hold the laryngeal portion of the airway open. This is performed unilaterally (one side). The suture is passed through the arytenoid cartilage to the outside of the larynx and tied. This abducts (pulls out) the arytenoid process, preventing collapse. This procedure may also, in effect, debark the dog, preventing the air turbulence necessary to create high pitched sound. Often the soft palate interferes with breathing. The palate is trimmed with a laser if it is too long. Special postoperative care -It is important to avoid excitement and heat stress for the first 2 weeks after surgery -We recommend the use of a harness when walking rather than a neck collar to protect the surgery -Feed small amounts of food and water initially to help your pet adjust to the surgery Expected results with surgery -Improved to much improved ability to breathe -Increased ability to exercise-although your dog may never be as exercise or heat tolerant -Generally breathing is much less noisy -Some dogs will cough when eating or drinking, but aspiration and pneumonia are uncommon postoperatively There may be an accumulation of fluid under the incision that causes swelling. This is almost always a seroma. A seroma will usually go away on its own in 10-14 days. Warm compresses for 10 minutes 2-3 times per day may speed resolution of the swelling. Needle drainage is NOT helpful and may lead to infection. Consult us or your veterinarian if you feel your pet is not feeling as well as expected after surgery or if your dog's breathing returns to its preoperative status. |
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