Diode Laser Epiglottidectomy (DLE) for management of epiglottic disease in 35 dogs

Veterinary literature on epiglottic disorders and their treatment in dogs is limited. The objective of this study is to report the clinical features, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and outcomes of dogs with epiglottic conditions treated using diode laser epiglottidectomy (DLE). This was a single-institution observational prospective study. Thirty-five dogs diagnosed with epiglottic disease underwent DLE. In all cases, an epiglottic disease was documented with combined laryngoscopic examination, when needed, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT) scan, and biopsy. Sub-total (SDLE) and total (TDLE) diode laser epiglottidectomy was performed under endoscopic guidance according to the diagnosis. Follow-up was performed by a re-examination visit and endoscopy, and telephone follow-up with the owner. The most common epiglottic disorder was epiglottic retroversion (ER) (57.1 %). SDLE was performed in 32/35 (91.4 %) dogs, while 3/35 (8.6 %) dogs underwent TDLE. Intraoperative complications occurred in 11.4 % surgeries, primarily involving bleeding. Postsurgical complications were reported in 8.5 % cases post-SDLE and were represented by transient airway obstruction caused by local edema. Follow-up (median 18 months, minimum 3 months - maximum 21 months) consultations revealed prolonged resolution of upper airway obstruction without signs of respiratory tract compromise or dysphagia. The surgical techniques described in this study have proven to be effective and minimally invasive for the treatment of epiglottic-related airway obstruction.