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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Cats with noisy breathing from redundant arytenoid mucosa

By De Lorenzi, D et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2016·Department of Interventional Pulmonology and Ear-Nose-Throat Medicine and Surgery, Italy·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Redundant arytenoid mucosa: clinical presentation, treatment and outcome in three cats.

Species:
cat
Breathing & coughCats

Plain-English summary

Three cats were brought in for breathing problems that included noisy inhalation. After examining them, vets found that the cats had extra tissue in their throats that was blocking their airways. To treat this, the cats underwent a temporary tracheostomy (an opening in the neck to help them breathe) and laser surgery to remove the excess tissue. This treatment successfully resolved their breathing issues, allowing all three cats to breathe normally again.

People also search for: cat breathing problems · noisy breathing in cats · cat throat surgery · tracheostomy for cats · laser surgery for cat airway issues

Abstract

Three cats showing chronic, intermittent respiratory distress associated with increased noise on inspiration were examined. Head, neck and thoracic radiographs were unremarkable and laboratory findings were within normal ranges. In all three cats direct laryngoscopy revealed bilateral redundant arytenoid mucosa, which collapsed into the supraglottic and glottis airways during inspiration. Temporary tracheostomy and endoscopic diode laser excision of the excessive mucosa resolved symptoms in all three cats. Redundant arytenoid mucosa is a rare condition that may cause signs similar to laryngeal paralysis or laryngeal mass in cats. According to our results, diode laser surgery in association with temporary tracheostomy appears an appropriate mode of therapy.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26780855/