Laryngeal paralysis-polyneuropathy complex in young Rottweilers.
Five Rottweiler puppies from 3 unrelated litters developed inspiratory stridor at 11-13 weeks of age. Physical examination disclosed tetraparesis in all dogs, and bilateral lenticular cataracts in 4 dogs. Laryngeal examination under light anesthesia showed laryngeal paralysis in all dogs. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed denervation potentials in the distal appendicular muscles of 4 dogs tested and in the intrinsic laryngeal muscles of 2 dogs tested. Motor nerve conduction velocity was slightly low in 1 dog. Neurogenic muscular atrophy was found in distal appendicular muscles (n = 3) and intrinsic laryngeal muscles (n = 2), and degenerative changes were found in peripheral nerves (n = 3) and recurrent laryngeal nerves (n = 2). No abnormalities were detected in the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, or ganglia of 3 dogs autopsied. The clinical, electrophysiologic, and histopathologic findings support a diagnosis of polyneuropathy and resemble the finding reported in young Dalmatians. Young dogs with laryngeal paralysis should be evaluated neurologically to rule out a more generalized polyneuropathy. The condition is suspected to be hereditary in nature and the prognosis is poor.
Mahony
O M
OM
Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA. omahony@infonet.tufts.edu
Knowles
K E
KE
Braund
K G
KG
Averill
D R
DR
Frimberger
A E
AE
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007823:Laryngeal Nerves / Q000473:pathology; D007830:Larynx / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000662:veterinary*; D011379:Prognosis; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000151:congenital / Q000662:veterinary*