Simultaneous staphylectomy and unilateral arytenoid lateralization in dogs presenting for dyspnea: 23 cases (2010-2013)

This retrospective study assesses postoperative complications with simultaneous staphylectomy and unilateral arytenoid lateralization (SP + UAL) in dogs with laryngeal paralysis and concurrent elongation of the soft palate compared to dogs having a UAL alone. Medical records of dogs having a UAL performed from 2010 to 2013 were reviewed. Twenty-three dogs were diagnosed with a concurrent elongated soft palate and had a SP + UAL performed and 89 dogs were diagnosed with an appropriate soft palate and had only a UAL performed. A telephone questionnaire for long-term postoperative outcomes was completed. Survival probability was not statistically different between the 2 groups. Dogs in the SP + UAL group were more likely to be seen for respiratory distress after surgery (P = 0.05). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the number of dogs which developed postoperative aspiration pneumonia. The overall complication rate for both groups was high, with postoperative pneumonia being the most common complication.