Bilateral choanal atresia in a cat

Abstract

A 7-month-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented for investigation of stertor, open mouth breathing without apparent distress, and chronic bilateral nasal discharge that was unresponsive to antibiotics. Complete bilateral bony choanal atresia was diagnosed with computed tomography and nasopharyngoscopy. Choanal atresia is an uncommon congenital condition where the choana (nasal passage into the nasopharynx) is blocked by abnormal bone or soft tissue uni- or bilaterally. The cat's clinical signs improved dramatically immediately after trans-palatal surgical correction. Post-surgical complications included the development of nasopharyngeal scar tissue and subsequent stenosis, persistent right-sided nasal discharge, and permanent damage to the right eye (blindness and cataract formation). Nasopharyngeal stenosis was managed with repeated balloon dilatations and temporary stenting, and the owner reported an excellent quality of life at 8-month follow-up. Bilateral bony choanal atresia has not been previously reported in cats. Uni- or bilateral choanal atresia should be considered in young cats presenting with refractory stertor, chronic nasal discharge, and/or open mouth breathing.

Morphometrical Study of the European Shorthair Cat Skull Using Computed Tomography

“…There are several diseases directly related to the conformation of the skull in felines, such as external hydrocephalus [16,17], meningocele and meningoencephalocele [18][19][20], congenital fusion of the hard palate with an extension of the presphenoid bone which culminates in bilateral osseous atresia of the choanae [21], and facial, dental, and neurocranial abnormalities associated with brachycephaly [22], traumatic injuries or bone neoplasia [23].…”

Treatment of acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis using a removable silicone stent

“…Removable stents cut from rubber catheters or feeding tubes were used to treat choanal atresia in two cats, 23,24 but we are not aware of other reports of the use of such stents to treat ANS in cats. Although choanal atresia and nasopharyngeal stenosis are different conditions, both frequently relapse following treatment, and repeated efforts are often required.…”

Choanenatresie bei einem Alpakacria (Vicugna pacos)

“…In der Literatur sind Beschreibungen von Choanenatresien bei verschiedenen Tierarten, beispielsweise Hund [13,14], Katze [15,16] und Pferd [17] wie auch Menschen [18] zu finden. Sie scheint bei Neuweltkamelen eine der häufigsten angeborenen Missbildungen zu sein [19].…”