Bilateral Ventriculocordectomy via Ventral Laryngotomy for Idiopathic Laryngeal Paralysis in 88 Dogs

Bilateral ventriculocordectomy through a ventral median laryngotomy was performed for the treatment of idiopathic laryngeal paralysis in 88 dogs. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to provide long-term follow-up for a large number of dogs surgically managed with this technique. A combination of medical record and completed client questionnaire information provided short-term (14 days) follow-up for 88 dogs and long-term (>6 mo) follow-up for 42 dogs. Major short-term postoperative complications were identified in 3 of 88 (3.4%) patients. Major long-term complications were identified in 3 of 42 (7.1%) patients. The results of surgery were considered to be very satisfactory in 93% and unsatisfactory in 7%. Three dogs in this series developed aspiration pneumonia. Bilateral ventriculocordectomy through a ventral median laryngotomy is associated with a low incidence of both short- and long-term complications. Due to the ease of this procedure, the minimal surgical trauma to the patient, and the sa...