laryngeal saccules

Definition : Laryngeal saccules or laryngeal ventricles are soft tissue masses located between the vocal folds and the lateral wall of the larynx in canines.

Their function is not well understood, but in brachycephalic breeds the saccules can become everted and protrude into the laryngeal opening, causing symptoms such as snoring, noisy breathing, coughing, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath in affected dogs.

Chronic airway obstruction (caused by stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, or other conditions) can evert the laryngeal saccules, aggravating existing breathing problems.

Prolonged airway stress can pull laryngeal walls inward, further obstructing the airway and causing swelling and irritation of the laryngeal membranes. Tracheal collapse may also contribute to the vicious cycle of airway obstruction → airway changes → worse airway obstruction.