Respiratory Laryngeal Paralysis Flashcards
Describe the anatomy (including innervation) and normal functions of the larynx.
The larynx regulates airflow, protects the trachea from aspiration during swallowing, and controls phonation. The intrinsic muscles of the larynx are innervated by the caudal laryngeal nerve (terminal segment of the recurrent laryngeal nerve) except for the cricothyroid muscle, which is innervated by the cranial laryngeal nerve.
Example sentence: The larynx plays a crucial role in vocalization and airway protection.
Define laryngeal paralysis (LP) and explain its pathophysiology.
LP occurs when one or both arytenoid cartilages fail to abduct due to damage or dysfunction of the recurrent laryngeal nerve or intrinsic laryngeal muscles, leading to airway obstruction.
Additional information: LP can result in life-threatening respiratory distress.
List and explain the common causes of LP.
Common causes include polyneuropathy (early-onset and geriatric onset), polymyopathy, trauma, and masses such as neoplasia or granulomas.
Example sentence: Trauma to the neck region can lead to laryngeal paralysis.
Which breeds are predisposed to early-onset and geriatric-onset LP?
Early-onset LP is common in Rottweilers, Dalmatians, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, and Leonbergers. Geriatric-onset LP is most common in Labrador Retrievers.
Example sentence: Labrador Retrievers are prone to developing laryngeal paralysis in their senior years.
List the common clinical signs, physical exam findings, and laryngeal exam findings in patients with LP.
Clinical signs include noisy inspiration, exercise intolerance, voice change, coughing or gagging, respiratory distress, and neuro signs like pelvic limb deficits. Physical exam may reveal stridor and hyperthermia in distress. Laryngeal exam shows lack of abduction of arytenoids during inspiration.
Additional information: Neurological signs can indicate laryngeal paralysis in dogs.
List the treatment options for LP and explain the indications for each treatment.
Mild cases (unilateral LP) are treated conservatively with weight loss, and lifestyle/environmental modifications. Severe cases (bilateral LP) require surgery, specifically unilateral arytenoid lateralization.
Example sentence: Surgery is often necessary for severe cases of laryngeal paralysis.
Explain the treatments for respiratory distress due to severe LP.
Treatments include supplemental oxygen, corticosteroids, sedation, minimal handling/stress, cooling measures, and potentially intubation and mechanical ventilation with emergency surgery.
Additional information: Prompt intervention is crucial in managing respiratory distress in laryngeal paralysis.
List the primary and secondary defects of BAOS.
Primary defects include stenotic nares and elongated soft palate. Secondary defects include everted laryngeal ventricles, laryngeal collapse, and bronchial collapse.
Example sentence: Stenotic nares are a common primary defect in brachycephalic airway syndrome.
Explain the pathophysiology of BAOS.
Narrowed and deformed airways lead to increased airway resistance and turbulent airflow, causing tissue swelling and further narrowing of the airways, exacerbating airflow obstruction.
Additional information: The pathophysiology of BAOS results in chronic respiratory compromise.
List the common clinical signs, physical exam findings, and laryngeal exam findings in patients with BAOS.
Common signs include noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, cyanosis, and collapse. Physical exam may reveal stridor, increased respiratory effort, and hyperthermia in distress. Laryngeal exam findings include swollen and edematous tissues contributing to airway obstruction.
Example sentence: Cyanosis is a serious clinical sign of brachycephalic airway syndrome.
Why is early surgical treatment of BAOS indicated?
Early surgical intervention is crucial to prevent the progression of airway obstruction and secondary changes, improving the quality of life and reducing the risk of severe respiratory distress.
Additional information: Surgical correction can alleviate breathing difficulties in affected dogs.
What are the clinical signs of tracheal collapse in dogs?
Clinical signs include a “goose-honk” cough, exercise intolerance, respiratory distress, cyanosis, and syncope, especially during excitement or exercise.
Example sentence: Tracheal collapse can lead to severe respiratory compromise in affected dogs.
What are the common diagnostic methods for tracheal collapse?
Diagnostic methods include thoracic radiographs, fluoroscopy, and tracheoscopy, which help visualize the degree and location of tracheal collapse.
Additional information: Imaging techniques are essential for diagnosing tracheal collapse accurately.
Describe the management and treatment options for tracheal collapse.
Management includes weight loss, avoiding irritants, using a harness instead of a collar, and medications like antitussives, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids. Severe cases may require surgical interventions such as tracheal stenting or external prosthetic rings.
Example sentence: Proper management can improve the quality of life for dogs with tracheal collapse.
How does periodontal disease contribute to chronic bronchitis in dogs?
Periodontal disease can cause systemic inflammation and bacteremia.
Additional information: Chronic bronchitis can be exacerbated by the presence of periodontal disease.
