Surgery Types for
Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs
Types of Surgery for
Canine Lar Par and GOLPP
LP surgery entails surgically modifying the larynx to create an opening that allows airflow between the paralyzed laryngeal (arytenoid) cartilages. This page summarizes the pros and cons of various surgery types based on research data.
Source: Kitshoff et. al, ‘Laryngeal paralysis in dogs: An update on recent knowledge’, 2013
How does surgery affect the function of the larynx?
Surgical Techniques for Laryngeal Paralysis
- Arytenoid Lateralization (Tie-Back)
- BVEAP
- Ventriculocordectomy
- Tracheostomy
- Partial laryngectomy
- Castellated laryngofissure
Arytenoid Lateralization (‘Tie-back’)
a) Paralyzed larynx b) After tie-back
In arytenoid lateralization, paralyzed laryngeal cartilage is sutured or ‘tied back’ to the laryngeal wall to open an airway to the lungs, whereby an incision is made at the side of the dog’s neck to access the larynx and place the sutures.
In bilateral arytenoid lateralization (BAL), both cartilages on either side of the larynx are ’tied back‘. In unilateral arytenoid lateralization (UAL), only one cartilage on one side is tied back. UAL is preferred because aperture created is sufficient to restore breathing while minimizing the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Since the 1980s unilateral tie-back has become the standard surgical treatment for laryngeal paralysis worldwide.