Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Nasopharyngeal polyps in cats.
- Journal:
- Clinical techniques in small animal practice
- Year:
- 2002
- Authors:
- Kudnig, Simon T
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Nasopharyngeal polyps are non-cancerous growths that can develop in cats, usually starting from the middle ear or a tube that connects the ear to the throat. The exact cause of these polyps isn't fully understood, but they may be linked to ongoing upper respiratory infections or ear infections. Cats with these polyps often show signs like difficulty breathing, a tilted head, or other symptoms related to ear problems. To diagnose the issue, vets might use various imaging techniques or look inside the throat. The best treatment is usually a surgical procedure to remove the polyp, sometimes combined with medication to reduce inflammation.
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal polyps are non-neoplastic, inflammatory growths that arise from the middle ear or the eustachian tube and extend into the pharynx. The exact etiology of nasopharyngeal polyps is unclear; proposed etiologies include a response to chronic upper respiratory tract infection, chronic otitis media, ascending infection from the nasopharynx, or a congenital origin. Clinical signs usually relate to obstruction of the nasopharynx, with Horner's syndrome and head tilt being consistent with otitis media and otitis interna, respectively. Diagnostic tools include digital or visual examination above the soft palate, flexible fiberoptic caudal rhinoscopy, radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Ventral bulla osteotomy combined with traction removal of the polyp is the recommended treatment, although traction only followed by prednisolone therapy can be considered in some cases, especially when there is no evidence of otitis media.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12587283/