Placement of silicone laryngeal stents in dogs with laryngeal paralysis: a guide for veterinarians
- Feb 22
- 3 min read
What is canine laryngeal paralysis?
Canine laryngeal paralysis occurs when the arytenoid cartilages and vocal cords do not abduct properly during inspiration, causing:
stridor
inspiratory dyspnoea
exercise intolerance
cyanosis
respiratory crises.
In this context, the silicone laryngeal stent may be a minimally invasive alternative, useful in both emergency situations and chronic management or post-surgical laryngeal stenosis. In a series of seven dogs, the placement of a silicone laryngeal stent was associated with a substantial improvement in clinical respiratory signs and immediate recovery of airflow, with variable results depending on comorbidities. (Paper attached at the end of the entry)
What is a laryngeal stent and why is it used in canine laryngeal paralysis?
A laryngeal stent is a prosthesis placed in the laryngeal lumen to keep the glottis open and reduce flow resistance in patients with laryngeal paralysis, where the physiological opening is limited by the lack of arytenoid abduction. In the published clinical series, the stent is described as a flexible, one-piece silicone device capable of supporting the laryngeal opening without requiring open surgery.
When should a laryngeal stent be considered in dogs?
1) Acute respiratory crisis (emergency)
In dogs with severe inspiratory dyspnoea, marked stridor, or episodes of collapse/cyanosis, the stent can provide immediate relief when seeking to stabilise the patient or when surgery is not feasible at that time.
2) Long-term management when the owner does not want surgery
Many owners (especially in geriatric dogs) prefer a non-invasive option. In the reported cases, the stent was chosen due to advanced age, comorbidities, or the owner's decision.
3) Laryngeal stenosis after surgery (post-surgical complication)
The series describes dogs that developed stenosis due to fibrosis after procedures such as ventriculocordectomy, with recurrence of stridor days later; the stent was used to reopen the respiratory tract.
What to expect after having a laryngeal stent placed
The paper mentions a very useful point for practice: 2–3 hours later, offer water and observe.
If they drink without coughing: the placement is compatible with functional swallowing.
If they cough when drinking: they recommend offering wet food until the stent ‘adjusts’ to the swallowing reflex.
This simple protocol helps to detect problems such as poor positioning or initial irritation early on.
Complications after placing a laryngeal stent and how to manage them
Cough (expected)
Mild to moderate coughing is described as an expected effect due to a laryngeal ‘foreign body’.
Secretions and halitosis
There may be adherent secretions and halitosis. In one case, stent ‘hygiene’ was performed with removal, cleaning and replacement under sedation, observing a moderate mucosal inflammatory reaction.
Migration
Migration is possible. In the series, early oral migration (first few hours) is reported in one case, with subsequent replacement. If migration occurs, stridor usually reappears and X-rays help to locate it. Even so, the design of the silicone stent ensures that migration is rare.
The silicone laryngeal stent is a valuable tool for managing laryngeal paralysis in dogs.
The silicone laryngeal stent is a valuable tool for managing laryngeal paralysis in dogs and for laryngeal stenosis as a post-surgical complication. Clinical evidence published in a series of cases shows significant respiratory improvement, a learnable technique, and a profile of expected events (coughing, secretions, halitosis, migration) that can be managed with proper follow-up. If you would like to learn more, please see the attached paper by Dr Cecilia Ricart.
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