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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Cat with birth defect blocking nasal airway causing breathing issues

By Gardiner, Destinee et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2024·Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Palatal dysgenesis in a feline causing complete obstruction of the nasopharynx: A case report.

Species:
cat

Plain-English summary

An 8-month-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was brought to the vet for chronic nasal congestion, open-mouth breathing, and discharge. A CT scan revealed that he had a congenital issue called palatal dysgenesis, which caused a complete blockage of the nasopharynx (the area behind the nose). This condition led to secondary inflammation and damage in the nasal passages. The vet confirmed the diagnosis with an endoscopic exam. Treatment options would depend on the severity, but addressing the obstruction is crucial for recovery.

People also search for: cat nasal congestion treatment · open-mouth breathing in cats · palatal dysgenesis in cats

Abstract

The nasopharyngeal disease is common in felines. Nasopharyngeal stenosis is uncommonly a congenital problem, with most cases being secondary to other diseases. An 8-month-old male neutered domestic shorthair presented with a chief complaint of chronic nasal congestion, open-mouth breathing, and discharge. CT was performed, and palatal dysgenesis resulting in complete nasopharyngeal obstruction, secondary nasopharyngitis, and rostral nasal turbinate lysis were found. This was confirmed by an endoscopic evaluation of the nasopharynx region, which demonstrated a lack of connection between the nasopharynx and oropharynx. This is the first CT report documenting congenital palate dysgenesis resulting in complete obstruction of the nasopharynx.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39014910/