RESUMO
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.