Canine de-vocalisation by ventral laryngotomy - a retrospective study of 25 cases (2000-2008).

摘要

Nuisance barking is a frequent problem in dogs, with up to one third of dog owners possessing at least one dog exhibiting unwanted vocalisation. Whilst non-invasive methods are generally advocated as a solution to this problem, surgical de-vocalisation has been employed for many years. Two basic surgical approaches may be employed - either per os or via a ventral laryngotomy. This study analyses the results of 25 de-vocalisations via ventral laryngotomy, involving bilateral excision of the vocal and vestibular folds and dissection of the mucosa of the laryngeal ventricle. Short, medium and long term complications were considered and a telephone owner questionnaire was conducted. This outlined reasons for pursuing debarking, trigger factors, owners' opinions of the procedure and change in bark quality over time. Based on these results, de-vocalisation by this method is an effective, low morbidity procedure with high levels of owner satisfaction.