Laryngeal paralysis in cats: 16 cases (1990-1999)

Objective-To determine clinical signs, physical examination findings, radio graphic features, and concurrent diseases in cats with laryngeal paralysis, as well as evaluate the outcome of medical or surgical management. Design-Retrospective study. Animals 16 cats. Procedure-Medical records from January 1990 to April 1999 were examined for cats with laryngeal paralysis. Signalment, clinical signs, physical examin ation findings, cervical and thoracic radiographic findings, laryngeal exam ination results, and clinical outcome were reviewed. Results-No breed or sex predilection was identified in 16 cats with larynge al paralysis. The most common clinical signs included tachypnea or dyspnea, dysphagia, weight loss, change in vocalization, coughing, and lethargy. Cl inical signs were evident for a median of 245 days. Airway obstruction was apparent on cervical and thoracic radiographic views in 9 cats. Examination of the larynx revealed bilateral laryngeal paralysis in 12 cats and unilat eral laryngeal paralysis in 4 cats. The 4 cats with unilateral disease were managed with medical treatment, and 3 of these had acceptable long-term ou tcomes. Seven of 12 cats with bilateral paralysis underwent surgery; proced ures performed included left arytenoid tie back, bilateral arytenoid tie ba ck and ventriculocordectomy, and partial left arytenoidectomy. One cat was euthanatized as a result of complications from surgery. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Laryngeal paralysis is an uncommon cause of airway obstruction in cats. Cats with less severe clinical signs (often with unilateral paralysis) may be successfully managed with medical treatm ent, whereas cats with severe airway obstruction (often with bilateral para lysis) may benefit from surgical intervention.