Open AccessLaryngeal Paralysis‐Polyneuropathy Complex in Young Rottweilers
Author(s) -
Mahony Orla M.,
Knowles Kim E.,
Braund Kyle G.,
Averill Damon R.,
Frimberger Angela E.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/j.1939-1676.1998.tb02131.x
Subject(s) - medicine , laryngeal paralysis , paralysis , recurrent laryngeal nerve , polyneuropathy , tetraparesis , denervation , vocal cord paralysis , atrophy , anatomy , anesthesia , surgery , pathology , magnetic resonance imaging , radiology , thyroid
Five Rottweiler puppies from 3 unrelated litters developed inspiratory stridor at 11–13 weeks of age. Physical examination disclosed tetraparesis in all dogs, and bilateral lenticular cataracts in 4 dogs. Laryngeal examination under light anesthesia showed laryngeal paralysis in all dogs. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed denervation potentials in the distal appendicular muscles of 4 dogs tested and in the intrinsic laryngeal muscles of 2 dogs tested. Motor nerve conduction velocity was slightly low in 1 dog. Neurogenic muscular atrophy was found in distal appendicular muscles (n = 3) and intrinsic laryngeal muscles (n = 2), and degenerative changes were found in peripheral nerves (n = 3) and recurrent laryngeal nerves (n = 2). No abnormalities were detected in the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, or ganglia of 3 dogs autopsied. The clinical, electrophysiologic, and histopathologic findings support a diagnosis of polyneuropathy and resemble the finding reported in young Dalmatians. Young dogs with laryngeal paralysis should be evaluated neurologically to rule out a more generalized polyneuropathy. The condition is suspected to be hereditary in nature and the prognosis is poor.