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Chan et al: Complication rate and outcomes of laryngeal cuneiformectomy in dogs with advanced laryngeal collapse
Veterinary Surgery 6, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Partial cuneiformectomy (PC) did not increase complication rates compared to multilevel surgery alone (overall complications: PC = 16.3%, non-PC = 19.4%; p = .758).
  • Major complication rates were not significantly different (PC = 11.6%, non-PC = 7.4%; p = .482).
  • Significant improvement in BOAS grade was observed in dogs undergoing PC (p < .0001).
  • BOAS index improved significantly in both groups, with greater median reduction in the PC group (28.5%) than non-PC (20.7%) (p < .0001).
  • Low body condition score (BCS <4) was significantly associated with higher complication rates (odds ratio = 0.452; p = .004).
  • Hospitalization duration did not differ between groups (median = 1 day; p = .743).
  • Mortality was low (3.5%) in the PC group despite more severe airway disease, suggesting the technique is safe even in advanced collapse.
  • The technique widened the rima glottidis without damaging surrounding structures, reducing airflow resistance and preserving laryngeal function.

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← Articles

Chan et al: Complication rate and outcomes of laryngeal cuneiformectomy in dogs with advanced laryngeal collapse
Veterinary Surgery 6, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Partial cuneiformectomy (PC) did not increase complication rates compared to multilevel surgery alone (overall complications: PC = 16.3%, non-PC = 19.4%; p = .758).
  • Major complication rates were not significantly different (PC = 11.6%, non-PC = 7.4%; p = .482).
  • Significant improvement in BOAS grade was observed in dogs undergoing PC (p < .0001).
  • BOAS index improved significantly in both groups, with greater median reduction in the PC group (28.5%) than non-PC (20.7%) (p < .0001).
  • Low body condition score (BCS <4) was significantly associated with higher complication rates (odds ratio = 0.452; p = .004).
  • Hospitalization duration did not differ between groups (median = 1 day; p = .743).
  • Mortality was low (3.5%) in the PC group despite more severe airway disease, suggesting the technique is safe even in advanced collapse.
  • The technique widened the rima glottidis without damaging surrounding structures, reducing airflow resistance and preserving laryngeal function.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Chan 2025 et al., on partial cuneiformectomy in BOAS dogs, what was the effect of cuneiformectomy on postoperative complication rates compared to multilevel airway surgery alone?

A. It significantly increased major complications
B. It significantly increased overall complications
C. It significantly increased hospitalization duration
D. It did not significantly affect complication rates
E. It significantly increased mortality

Answer: It did not significantly affect complication rates

Explanation: Complication rates were similar between PC and non-PC groups (16.3% vs. 19.4%, p = .758).
In Chan 2025 et al., on partial cuneiformectomy in BOAS dogs, what was the typical impact on rima glottidis after the procedure?

A. It reduced the cross-sectional area
B. It widened the rima glottidis by 30%
C. It had no measurable impact
D. It widened the rima glottidis by ~70–80%
E. It required additional arytenoid lateralization

Answer: It widened the rima glottidis by ~70–80%

Explanation: Cuneiformectomy widened the rima glottidis by approximately 70–80%, reducing airway resistance.
In Chan 2025 et al., on partial cuneiformectomy in BOAS dogs, what was the observed change in BOAS index after cuneiformectomy?

A. No significant change
B. Median reduction of 5%
C. Median reduction of 15%
D. Median reduction of 28.5%
E. Median increase of 10%

Answer: Median reduction of 28.5%

Explanation: The PC group showed a significant median BOAS index reduction of 28.5% postoperatively.
In Chan 2025 et al., on partial cuneiformectomy in BOAS dogs, which preoperative factor was significantly associated with higher odds of complications?

A. Breed
B. Preoperative BOAS index
C. Gender
D. Low body condition score (BCS)
E. Age

Answer: Low body condition score (BCS)

Explanation: Low BCS (<4) was significantly associated with higher complication risk (OR = 0.452, p = .004).
In Chan 2025 et al., on partial cuneiformectomy in BOAS dogs, how did hospitalization duration compare between PC and non-PC groups?

A. PC group had longer stays (median 3 days)
B. PC group had shorter stays (median 1 day vs 2 days)
C. No significant difference (median 1 day both)
D. Non-PC group had more overnight admissions
E. PC group required routine tracheostomy

Answer: No significant difference (median 1 day both)

Explanation: Hospitalization duration did not differ significantly between groups (median 1 day, p = .743).

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