Use of an electrothermal, feedback-controlled, bipolar sealing device for resection of the elongated portion of the soft palate in dogs with obstructive upper airway disease.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy and safety of using an electrothermal, feedback-controlled, bipolar sealing device (BSD) for resection of the elongated portion of the soft palate in brachycephalic dogs with upper airway obstruction.

DESIGN

Uncontrolled clinical trial.

ANIMALS

24 brachycephalic dogs with airway obstruction and elongated soft palate.

PROCEDURES

In all dogs, the excess portion of the soft palate was resected with a BSD. A score for severity of clinical signs of respiratory tract obstruction was assigned before surgery, during the first 24 hours after surgery, and at the time of final follow-up 12 to 23 months after surgery. Potential scores ranged from 0 (no clinical signs even with moderate to vigorous activity) to 4 (agonal breathing or severe cyanosis).

RESULTS

None of the dogs died or developed life-threatening complications after surgery. Clinical scores after surgery (mean +/- SD, 0.3 +/- 0.6) and at the time of final follow-up (0.9 + 0.5) were significantly lower than preoperative scores (2.6 +/- 0.8).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results indicated that a BSD can be safely used for resection of the elongated portion of the soft palate in brachycephalic dogs with upper airway obstruction.