We are grateful for the kindness of the Dr. Souza and of the Hospital veterinario da Bicuda Cascais - Portugal who share this material with us.
How a 12 year old Labrador regained his quality of life after laryngeal stent placement.
Laryngeal paralysis in dog.
The story of this 12-year-old Labrador is a clear example of how modern veterinary medicine can make a difference in the lives of our pets.
Marley, a 44 kg male, began to suffer worrying episodes of fainting and breathing difficulties.
At first, everything seemed to point to a heart problem, as he had had two episodes of fainting in less than 24 hours, accompanied by stridor and fatigue.
Diagnosis and the way to a solution
The owner, concerned for Marley's well-being, took him for a cardiac evaluation. Following an ultrasound scan, the results showed that the dog's heart was in normal condition, although supraventricular tachycardia was identified.
However, the coughing and fainting did not stop, and the stridor (forced breathing sound) was most noticeable when the dog was lying down or resting.
I decided to perform a laryngeal endoscopy, which led us to discover the true cause: laryngeal paralysis.
This disorder affects the dog's ability to breathe properly, and in severe cases, such as our Labrador, it can be life-threatening.
The minimally invasive approach: stenting
The dog's owner, upon hearing the treatment options, opted for a minimally invasive approach, and we decided to place a laryngeal stent.
This type of procedure allows the airway to be kept open and prevents episodes of asphyxia, without the need for invasive surgery that could be more risky, especially in a dog of his age.
Immediate results: an astonishing change in quality of life
The amazing thing about this procedure is how quickly our Labrador friend's life improved.
48 hours after stent placement, the fainting episodes disappeared completely, and the dog stopped coughing and panting.
An extraordinary result! The owner could not be happier to see his dog regain his vitality.
What can we learn from this case?
This case is a stark reminder that when pets present with respiratory or cardiac symptoms, correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential.
The use of silicone stents, as in this case, is not only effective, but offers a safer and less invasive option for treating conditions such as laryngeal paralysis.
The measure selected for this case was the VSTX20-60 stent, which was key in this process, and the dog's rapid improvement underlines the importance of using quality devices that guarantee a long-lasting and effective solution.
These types of procedures not only improve the lives of our pets, but also allow us as veterinarians to offer quality, minimally invasive solutions.
If you are faced with a similar case, remember that technology is on our side to ensure the well-being of our patients.
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