How to Remove Canine Debarking Scar Tissue

Debarking a dog, or ventriculocordectomy, involves the removal of laryngeal tissue from the dog̵7;s vocal chords to reduce the volume of its bark. The veterinarian can do this orally through the dog's open mouth or use the laryngofissure method. This procedure, called a laryngotomy, involves making an incision in the skin of the neck. Practitioners believe the laryngotomy procedure produces better results than the oral method. The operation may result in the growth of scar tissue, however, and this can eventually cause the dog to have difficulty breathing.

Instructions

    • 1

      Observe your debarked dog carefully to detect whether its breathing is normal. Watch to see if it extends its head forwards in an effort to take in breath.

    • 2

      Listen for loud or rapid breathing, or sounds of gasping or struggling for breath. If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, it may be suffering from stenosis or blockage of the larynx caused by scar tissue.

    • 3

      Take the dog to a veterinarian experienced in ventriculocordectomy and its potential complications. It is not possible to remove laryngeal scar tissue without anesthetic and proper surgical equipment. The veterinarian will open the skin of the dog̵7;s throat surgically and remove the scar tissue with a scalpel or a laser.

    • 4

      Give the dog soft foods for a week after the procedure. Give the dog the antibiotics prescribed by the veterinarian, and make sure the wound does not get wet.