Laryngeal paresis and paralysis in dogs

Laryngeal paresis and paralysis is a partial or total defect in abduction of the larynx during inspiration and is principally due to nerve and/or muscular dysfunction of the dorsal crico-arytenoid muscle. Eighty percent of cases are acquired. Dogs with the condition present with a modified voice, inspiratory noises, exercise intolerance and inspiratory dyspnoea. Diagnosis is based on laryngoscopic examination under sedation, which reveals decreased abduction of the larynx. In an emergency (for marked respiratory insufficiency) the dog should receive oxygen therapy and be entubated. The laryngeal paralysis is corrected surgically or a tracheotomy tube is provisionally put in place, The preferred surgical technique is arytenoid lateralisation.