Silicone stenting as an emergency option for treatment of canine laryngeal paralysis

ABSTRACT

Laryngeal paralysis in dogs is an emergency disease that worsens upper respiratory distress and causes life-threatening illness. Until now surgical arytenoid lateralization is a typical treatment method. In two recent papers [1,2], laryngeal silicone stent placement has been shown very effective in treating laryngeal paralysis. The procedure is simple and economical.In humans, laryngeal silicon stents are very effective in managing upper airway obstruction for short and long-term periods. Théron and Lahuerta-Smith report that dogs survived for up to 13 months after laryngeal silicone stent installation [1]. The authors expect a longer survival record and more clinical applications in the future. In considering that laryngeal paralysis is common in small animals [3], laryngeal silicone stenting can be a valuable approach for small animal surgeons in treating laryngeal paralysis in dogs and cats. Full details of this study are available in this issue of the Journal.