Silicone stent placement for laryngeal diseases: a retrospective study of 14 dogs (2022-2025).

Laryngeal stenting is a feasible alternative for paralysis but carries significant aspiration risk.

This retrospective study evaluated laryngeal silicone stent placement as a non-surgical alternative for treating laryngeal paralysis and other laryngeal conditions in 14 dogs between 2022-2025. Laryngeal paralysis was the most common indication (n=10), with additional cases involving laryngeal collapse, granuloma, or both (n=4). All dogs achieved complete resolution of clinical signs post-procedure. However, significant complications emerged: aspiration pneumonia occurred in 4 dogs (30% in paralysis cases), two dogs required early stent removal due to aspiration pneumonia or infection, and six dogs died during follow-up—three stent-related deaths from airway obstruction secondary to granuloma recurrence or aspiration pneumonia. Additional side effects included cough (n=4), halitosis (n=4), retching, and dysphagia. Median follow-up was 214 days. The authors conclude that while laryngeal stenting offers a less invasive, cost-efficient alternative when surgery is contraindicated, the 30% aspiration pneumonia rate is comparable to or higher than arytenoid lateralisation. Complication rates appear unacceptably high in non-paralysis laryngeal conditions, suggesting stenting may not be appropriate for those indications.

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