Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with blocked nasal passages and breathing trouble fixed by surgery
By Schafgans, Kristin E et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2012·University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Bilateral choanal atresia in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 7-month-old female domestic shorthair cat was brought in because she had noisy breathing, was breathing with her mouth open, and had a runny nose that didn’t improve with antibiotics. The vet found that she had a rare condition called bilateral choanal atresia, where the nasal passages are blocked. After surgery to correct the blockage, her breathing improved significantly. However, she did develop some complications, including scar tissue and issues with her right eye, but with ongoing treatment, her owner reported that she was doing well and had a good quality of life eight months later.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · cat nasal discharge treatment · choanal atresia in cats · cat surgery recovery · cat eye problems after surgery
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22628267/