Video-assisted left partial arytenoidectomy by diode laser photoablation for treatment of canine laryngeal paralysis.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the clinical outcome of left partial arytenoidectomy by video-assisted laser diode photoablation as a surgical treatment for canine laryngeal paralysis (LP). STUDY DESIGN Case series. ANIMALS Dogs with bilateral LP (n=20). METHODS After endoscopic diagnosis of bilateral LP, left partial arytenoidectomy was performed by photoablation of arytenoid cartilage tissue using a diode laser (600 microm diameter, 15 W power, 980 nm wave length) to increase the width of the rima glottidis. Outcome was evaluated endoscopically (1 and 6 months) and clinically (1, 6, and 12 months). RESULTS No substantial complications occurred during photoablation or in the immediate postoperative period. Postoperative width of the rima glottidis ranged from 6 to 10 mm at its widest aspect. At 1 month, respiratory function after walking and short running appeared good. Clinical and endoscopic examination revealed good outcome at 1 and 6 months. At 6 months, there was no evidence of hypertrophic scar, hypertrophic granulation tissue, or stricture of the laryngeal glottis in any dog. Two dogs developed aspiration pneumonia after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Partial arytenoidectomy using video-assisted diode laser photoablation appears to be an effective technique for treating LP. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Partial arytenoidectomy by diode laser photoablation should be considered as an alternative technique for treatment of canine LP.