Laryngeal Stent Studies
and Research Links

Laryngeal silicone stent as treatment option for laryngeal paralysis in dogs: a preliminary study of 6 cases

In 2022 a detailed article was published in the Open Veterinary Journal. This research study by Marie-Laure Théron and Tomas Lahuerta-Smith followed up on the 2019 research by Ricart et al. It was the first to focus specifically on laryngeal stents for senior dogs who were most likely suffering from geriatric-onset laryngeal paralysis and polyneuopathy (GOLPP). In this study, laryngeal stents were used to treat six dogs with laryngeal paralysis. Of the six dogs in the study:

• Four dogs were still alive with good quality of life at the long-term follow up between 7 and 13 months after the procedure. One of those dogs had tie-back surgery six months prior but the symptoms had recurred. The stent was placed instead of a repeat tie-back. One of those dogs is confirmed to have lived two years and three months after stent placement with no issues and an excellent quality of life.
• In one dog, the stent migrated and the symptoms recurred. The stent was removed and tie-back was performed.
• One dog was euthanized four weeks after the procedure due to other conditions.

The studies’ authors state that surgery remains the treatment of choice for laryngeal paralysis. However, if we read between the lines in the Discussion section, we find a different set of conclusions:

“This case series describes an alternative technique for treating acquired canine laryngeal paralysis in dogs. This technique is non-invasive, quick, inexpensive, and easy to perform. The reduced cost and short anesthetic time mean that this technique could be particularly interesting for dogs whose owners are unwilling to perform classic surgical therapy because of the financial costs, old age, or significant comorbidities. Furthermore, stent placement can be a temporary solution to stabilize these dogs until they undergo permanent surgical treatment.”

Dr. Théron continues to perform the laryngeal stent procedure as a routine treatment for laryngeal paralysis and GOLPP at the Clinique de Parme in Biarritz, France, and a growing number of clinics in Germany and the US are either performing this technique or have shown interest in adopting it.

By the way, this is the study that saved our Miss B’s life. You can learn about that incredible story on the Stories page.