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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Endoscopic exam finds causes of breathing issues in dogs and cats

By Willard, M D & Radlinsky, M A·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1999·Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Endoscopic examination of the choanae in dogs and cats: 118 cases (1988-1998).

Species:
dog
Dog coughingBreathing & coughDogs

Plain-English summary

A group of 91 dogs and 27 cats with breathing problems underwent endoscopic examination of their nasal passages to find out what was causing their symptoms. The procedure helped identify various issues, including tumors in 34 pets and foreign objects in 8 others. In some cases, the endoscopy revealed infections like cryptococcosis and aspergillosis, but it wasn't helpful for diagnosing other conditions. Overall, the endoscopic exams proved useful for quickly diagnosing serious problems in pets with respiratory issues.

People also search for: dog breathing problems diagnosis · cat nasal blockage treatment · endoscopy for dog tumors

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether endoscopic examination of the choanae resulted in diagnosis of various diseases in dogs and cats with signs of respiratory tract disease. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 91 dogs and 27 cats that had endoscopic examination of the choanae. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for endoscopy findings and results of examination of biopsy or cytologic specimens. RESULTS: 34 animals had neoplasia in the choanal region; in 26 animals, diagnosis was confirmed by evaluation of specimens obtained by endoscopy. Five dogs with neoplasia had an erroneous diagnosis of rhinitis made on the basis of evaluation of specimens obtained by endoscopy. Six dogs and 2 cats had foreign objects in the choanae; 7 foreign objects were removed endoscopically, whereas 1 required nasal flushing. Results of endoscopy and biopsy of the choanae provided diagnosis of cryptococcosis and aspergillosis, but did not aid in the diagnosis of pythiosis or nasal mites. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Endoscopic examination of the choanae may assist in rapid diagnosis of nasal neoplasms, foreign objects, and certain infectious organisms.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10553442/