Treatment of laryngeal paralysis in captive wild felids; Arytenoid lateralization technique

The purpose of this study was an evaluation of the result of laryngeal paralysis treatment in tigers (Panthera tigris) and lions (Panthera leo) by using arytenoid lateralization technique. Four tigers with left unilateral laryngeal paralysis, 2 tigers and 2 lion with bilateral laryngeal paralysis were included. The surgical procedure was performed by left unilateral arytenoid lateralization in all animals. The better clinical signs after operation were shown in 7 animals except 1 lion that was not improved and died 14 days after operation because of pre-operative systemic infection. One tiger died with the recurrent problem at 10 days after operation because of the laceration at the muscular process of arytenoid cartilage at prosthesis anchored. This technique used in this study can be used to treat the laryngeal paralysis in tigers and lions.