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Evaluation of Pharyngeal Function in Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis Before and After Unilateral Arytenoid Lateralization
Author(s) -
Andrade Natalia,
Kent Marc,
Howerth Elizabeth W.,
Radlinsky MaryAnn G.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/vsu.12410
Subject(s) - medicine , arytenoid cartilage , laryngeal paralysis , paralysis , lateralization of brain function , anatomy , audiology , larynx , surgery
Objective To evaluate pharyngeal and laryngeal function using esophagography, topical pharyngeal/laryngeal sensitivity testing, and electromyography (EMG) in normal and dogs with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis (ILP) before and after unilateral arytenoid lateralization. Study Prospective controlled cohort study. Animals Dogs with laryngeal paralysis (ILP; n = 8) and age/breed‐matched (AB, n = 8) and young breed‐matched dogs (B, n = 8) were recruited. Methods Evaluation consisted of esophagography, topical pharyngeal/laryngeal sensitivity testing, and electrodiagnostic testing. Esophagography was performed with liquid and canned phases. Pharyngeal and laryngeal sensitivity was tested by applying a cotton‐tipped applicator to the mucosa of pharynx/larynx at anesthetic induction. In all dogs, electrophysiological testing included EMG, direct evoked muscle potentials, motor nerve conduction velocities, and F wave testing. These were performed in the thoracic/pelvic limbs, extrinsic laryngeal muscles, epaxial, and masticatory muscles. Results Topical pharyngeal and laryngeal sensitivity testing was decreased in LP dogs compared with age‐matched healthy control dogs. Esophagram showed dysmotility in the cranial and caudal esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux was significantly higher in ILP dogs compared with the other 2 groups ( P < .03). In all affected dogs, EMG abnormalities were limited to the interosseous muscles of both pelvic and thoracic limbs bilaterally. Conclusion Dogs with ILP not only have recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and pararecurrent laryngeal nerve (pRLN) dysfunction, but may also have concurrent cranial laryngeal nerve dysfunction.