Feline bilateral inflammatory aural polyps: a descriptive retrospective study

Abstract

Background Feline inflammatory aural polyps (IP) have been reported as solitary growths, yet bilateral polyps may occur more commonly than described previously. Objectives To identify the prevalence and risk factors associated with bilateral feline IP within a population of cats evaluated at a veterinary teaching hospital over a 10 year period. Animals Twenty‐five cats with histologically confirmed IP. Methods and materials A retrospective study was performed by searching computerized medical records of cats seen at The University of Tennessee Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 2005 to 2015. Keywords used for the search included “feline polyp”, “ventral bulla osteotomy”, “inflammatory polyp ear canal” and “nasopharyngeal polyp”. Results Cats were separated into groups with unilateral or bilateral disease. Six of 25 (24%) cats had bilateral IP. Twelve cats had computed tomography performed (four of six with bilateral IP; eight of 19 with unilateral IP). Clinical signs, history of upper respiratory infection, post‐treatment complications, and IP recurrence with and without local and systemic steroid administration were studied between groups and no differences were identified. In four of six cats with bilateral disease, the second polyp was identified with advanced imaging performed at the time of referral. Conclusions and clinical importance These findings demonstrate that bilateral IP occur more frequently than reported previously and establish a prevalence for bilateral IP. These findings also highlight the value of advanced imaging techniques in diagnosing bilateral IP.

Chronic Otitis in Cats: Clinical management of primary, predisposing and perpetuating factors

“…66 Cats with IAPs may present initially with bacterial otitis externa, which can be refractory to treatment. 66 In addition to signs of otitis externa, affected patients may have vestibular signs, respiratory signs, ocular discharge or blepharo spasm, or Horner's syndrome. 66,68 IAPs occur most commonly in young cats and kittens, though they can develop at any age.…”

“…66 In addition to signs of otitis externa, affected patients may have vestibular signs, respiratory signs, ocular discharge or blepharo spasm, or Horner's syndrome. 66,68 IAPs occur most commonly in young cats and kittens, though they can develop at any age. 66,68,69 If visible on otoscopy, IAPs often appear as a smooth, pink nodule in the canal at the level of the tympanum (Figure 4).…”

“…66,68 IAPs occur most commonly in young cats and kittens, though they can develop at any age. 66,68,69 If visible on otoscopy, IAPs often appear as a smooth, pink nodule in the canal at the level of the tympanum (Figure 4). CT is recommended to visualize the extent of the lesion, support the diagnosis and evaluate for bilateral disease.…”

“…65,66 In one study, 4/6 cats with bilateral IAPs were identified only by CT or video-otoscopy (see box). 66 Definitive diagnosis requires histopathology. 65 IAPs are usually treated in one of two ways: traction avulsion or ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO).…”

“…65 IAPs are usually treated in one of two ways: traction avulsion or ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO). 66,68 At the time of the procedure, cats should be evaluated for concurrent nasopharyngeal polyp. 65 Complications may occur with either of these treatment approaches, including Horner's syndrome, vestibular signs, hemorrhage and facial nerve paralysis.…”