Diagnosis of pharyngeal disorders in dogs: a retrospective study of 67 cases

Abstract

Pharyngeal disorders are more frequently localised in the nasopharyngeal area and include essentially choanal masses. The use of a flexible endoscope for retrograde rhinoscopy is essential for adequate investigation of the proximal nasopharyngeal area. Clinical signs do not allow differentiation of the pharyngeal disorder within the different pharyngeal areas.

Imaging Evaluation of Dogs and Cats with Dysphagia

“…Foreign bodies in the pharynx or esophagus may or may not be radiographically apparent [8]. Radiodense foreign bodies such as teeth [9], needles [10], and fish hooks [8] are typically readily identified with survey radiography. However, foreign bodies consisting of soft tissue dense material are harder to identify (Figure 1).…”

Acute respiratory distress associated with a nasopharyngeal foreign body in a seven‐month‐old French bulldog

“…This patient had respiratory distress associated with loud stertor; a snorting noise produced by an obstruction rostral to the larynx. Stertor is suggestive of a nasopharyngeal disorder and was present in more than 60 per cent of dogs with nasopharyngeal disorders in one study (Billen and others 2006). Rapid onset of stertor accompanied by nasal discharge and halitosis may be suggestive of nasopharyngeal foreign body (Laurendet and others 1998).…”

“…Nevertheless, the acute onset of clinical signs after a meal raised the suspicion of a possible nasopharyngeal foreign body. A retrospective study of 67 dogs of various breeds presenting with pharyngeal disorders revealed that nasopharyngeal foreign bodies were encountered in only 6 per cent (4/67), elongated soft palate associated with other BOAS features in 21 per cent (14/67) and a choanal mass in 52 per cent (35/67) of that study population (Billen and others 2006). Nasopharyngeal foreign bodies should not be overlooked as a cause of upper airway dyspnoea.…”

“…Reported causes of nasopharyngeal disorders in the literature include nasopharyngeal stenosis/obstruction secondary to a choanal mass (neoplastic or inflammatory in origin), abscess, abnormal turbinates, foreign body, nasopharyngitis, soft palate granuloma and elongated soft palate (Hunt and others 2002, Billen and others 2006). Nasopharyngeal polyps, abnormal nasopharyngeal turbinates and elongated soft palate are common findings in dogs with BOAS (Oechtering and others 2007, Ginn and others 2008, Murgia and others 2014).…”

“…This patient had respiratory distress associated with loud stertor; a snorting noise suggestive of a nasopharyngeal disorder (Billen and others 2006). Causes of nasopharyngeal disorders include nasopharyngeal stenosis/obstruction secondary to a choanal mass, abscess, abnormal turbinates, foreign body, nasopharyngitis, soft palate granuloma and elongated soft palate (Hunt and others 2002, Billen and others 2006). Foreign body is an uncommon cause of nasopharyngeal disorder and was encountered in only 6 per cent (4/67) of dogs with nasopharyngeal disease (Billen and others 2006).…”