| A vocal cordectomy is the removal of a portion of a | | | | but instead has his bark modified. This modified bark is |
| dog's vocal cords. It is an extremely controversial | | | | softer and hoarser and while it may not be as loud as |
| procedure both on the impact it has on the dog and | | | | the original that's not to say it won't be just as |
| how humane it really is. Some experts say the | | | | annoying to you. |
| procedure is less invasive than spading or neutering, | | | | Vocal cordectomy fixes the symptoms of barking, not |
| virtually bloodless, and that the dog is not stressed by | | | | the cause. If your dog was a chronic barker before |
| the surgery and recovers quickly. On the other end of | | | | the procedure chances are he will be a chronic barker |
| the spectrum, you have experts that claim all sorts of | | | | after the procedure as well. This will remain true until |
| complications may occur, such as the buildup of scar | | | | you decide to address the root cause, whether that |
| tissue restricting future breathing and requiring additional | | | | be boredom, lack of exercise, anxiety etc. |
| surgery. It is estimated that as many as 50% of all | | | | Surgery of your dog's vocal cords should always be a |
| dogs who undergo vocal cordectomy experience | | | | last resort and only used once all other options have |
| future problems. | | | | been exhausted. This includes everything from training |
| Two of the more prominent methods of completing | | | | to a more rigorous exercise regiment, to more drastic |
| this surgery are one, to go in through the mouth and | | | | measures such as citronella collars to shock collars. If it |
| two, to go in through the larynx (voice box).The | | | | becomes a choice of the surgery or having the dog |
| second method is more expensive; however, it is | | | | euthanized, please seek out the surgery, but only then. |
| preferable because it offers a much less greater | | | | Also, be sure to make sure you find a reputable |
| chance of scar tissue developing. It should also be | | | | veterinarian to perform this delicate procedure. |
| noted that your dog does not 'lose' the ability to bark | | | | |