Outcome of and postoperative complications in dogs undergoing surgical treatment of laryngeal paralysis: 140 cases (1985-1998).
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.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
140 dogs undergoing surgical treatment for laryngeal paralysis at a veterinary teaching hospital between 1985 and 1998.


METHODS
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
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.
MacPhail
C M
CM
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
Monnet
E
E
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001193:Arytenoid Cartilage / Q000601:surgery; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D015994:Incidence; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*