Laryngeal Ventral Webbing

Webbing is a complication of oral debarking or oral approach to proximal tracheal intraluminal mass resection where a large area of denuded trachea if left without mucosal coverage. Healing results in excessive granulation tissue forming. As the granulation tissue contracts and epithialializes a ventral web of scar tissue stretches across the glotic lumen. This compromises air movement and the animal develops severe upper airway inspirational noise. In severe situation expirational noise and exercise intolerance can occur. This condition is treated by ventral laryngotomy and mucosal graft coverage (often very difficult) or by placement of a "Laryngeal Keel."