Evaluation of Pharyngeal Function in Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis Before and After Unilateral Arytenoid Lateralization.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate pharyngeal and laryngeal function using esophagography, topical pharyngeal/laryngeal sensitivity testing, and electromyography (EMG) in normal and dogs with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis (ILP) before and after unilateral arytenoid lateralization.


METHODS
Prospective controlled cohort study.


METHODS
Dogs with laryngeal paralysis (ILP; n = 8) and age/breed-matched (AB, n = 8) and young breed-matched dogs (B, n = 8) were recruited.


METHODS
Evaluation consisted of esophagography, topical pharyngeal/laryngeal sensitivity testing, and electrodiagnostic testing. Esophagography was performed with liquid and canned phases. Pharyngeal and laryngeal sensitivity was tested by applying a cotton-tipped applicator to the mucosa of pharynx/larynx at anesthetic induction. In all dogs, electrophysiological testing included EMG, direct evoked muscle potentials, motor nerve conduction velocities, and F wave testing. These were performed in the thoracic/pelvic limbs, extrinsic laryngeal muscles, epaxial, and masticatory muscles.


RESULTS
Topical pharyngeal and laryngeal sensitivity testing was decreased in LP dogs compared with age-matched healthy control dogs. Esophagram showed dysmotility in the cranial and caudal esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux was significantly higher in ILP dogs compared with the other 2 groups (P < .03). In all affected dogs, EMG abnormalities were limited to the interosseous muscles of both pelvic and thoracic limbs bilaterally.


CONCLUSIONS
Dogs with ILP not only have recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and pararecurrent laryngeal nerve (pRLN) dysfunction, but may also have concurrent cranial laryngeal nerve dysfunction.
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
Natalia
N
Andrade
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
Marc
M
Kent
Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
Elizabeth W
EW
Howerth
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
MaryAnn G
MG
Radlinsky
D000818:Animals; D001193:Arytenoid Cartilage / Q000601:surgery*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D004576:Electromyography / Q000662:veterinary; D007830:Larynx / Q000503:physiopathology; D010614:Pharynx / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012009:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*