A lateral surgical approach to the larynx may impair cervical esophageal function in dogs.

Objective: To determine whether muscle-sparing laryngoplasty results in fewer changes in swallowing function compared to standard surgical treatment for laryngeal paralysis.

Animals: 12 clinically normal sexually intact male Beagles.

Procedures: Group A dogs (n = 4) had a standard approach to the larynx, with left arytenoid cartilage lateralization.