Acquired idiopathic laryngeal paralysis as a prominent feature of generalised neuromuscular disease in 39 dogs.
A retrospective evaluation of 17 dogs treated surgically for idiopathic acquired laryngeal paralysis demonstrated a marked variability in outcome, with many dogs continuing to exhibit weakness and exercise tolerance. In a subsequent prospective study, 22 consecutive affected dogs were tested for neurological deficits by neurological examination, electrodiagnostic evaluation, and blood analysis to measure thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone and to detect any evidence of myasthenia gravis. Clinical neurological deficits and/or electrodiagnostic abnormalities were found in each case. There was limited evidence that specific neurological deficits were associated with a poor prognosis for full recovery of exercise tolerance. None of the dogs was positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies, and only three showed evidence of thyroid dysfunction.
Jeffery
N D
ND
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
Talbot
C E
CE
Smith
P M
PM
Bacon
N J
NJ
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D004568:Electrodiagnosis / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009431:Neural Conduction; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013979:Tibial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*