The purpose of this study was to compare short-term outcomes of dogs undergoing partial staphylectomy using incisional, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, and bipolar vessel sealing device (BVSD) techniques for treatment of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Our hypothesis was that no significant differences in complication rates would be apparent. Medical records from 2011 to 2021 were reviewed for signalment, history, technique used, length of hospitalization, and complications for dogs undergoing partial staphylectomy for treatment of BOAS. Complication rates were compared between the three techniques. Lower complication rates were observed for CO2 laser compared to BVSD, including overall short-term complications (p=0.004, OR 0.62), supplemental oxygen therapy (p=0.014, OR=0.61), mechanical ventilation (p=0.001, OR=0.20), and temporary tracheostomy (p=0.001, OR=0.13). Survival to discharge was more likely for CO2 laser compared to BVSD (p=0.013, OR=2.47). Incisional technique was associated with lower odds of temporary tracheostomy (p=0.004, OR=0.20) and supplemental oxygen (p=0.016, OR=0.46) compared to BVSD. Length of hospitalization was significantly shorter for CO2 laser compared to BVSD (p=0.001), and for incisional compared to BVSD (p=0.02). The use of BVSD for staphylectomy was associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications and longer hospitalization compared to CO2 laser and incisional. These results should be interpreted with caution in light of the retrospective, multicenter nature of the study, and potential confounding factors. This is the first clinical study to the authors’ knowledge that demonstrates an association between the use of BVSD for partial staphylectomy and perioperative complications in dogs with BOAS.
