Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

314 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Treatment: An elongated soft palate is treated by surgically shortening the
palate so that the edge opposes or slightly overlaps the epiglottis. Results are
good if the operation is done before destructive changes occur in the larynx.
Eversion of the Laryngeal Saccules
Laryngeal saccules are small mucosal pouches that project into the larynx. In
long-standing upper airway obstruction the saccules enlarge and turn out
(eversion), narrowing the airway even further.
Treatment: Everted laryngeal saccules often accompany an elongated soft
palate. If present, they should be removed. This operation is done at the same
time as shortening of the palate. Your veterinarian may refer you to a surgical
specialist for these surgeries.
The Larynx (Voice Box)
The larynx is an oblong box of tissue located in the throat above the windpipe
(trachea). Just above the larynx is the epiglottis, a leaflike flap of cartilage
that closes over the larynx and protects the airway during swallowing.
The larynx is composed of cartilage held together by ligaments. Within the
larynx are the vocal cords, which is why the larynx is sometimes called the
voice box. A dog’s vocal chords are thick and prominent, enabling them to