Nasopharyngeal luminal change on cervical radiography in brachycephalic dogs without respiratory signs.

This study aimed to prospectively assess nasopharyngeal luminal changes in brachycephalic dogs without respiratory signs using cervical radiography. Forty brachycephalic dogs without cardiopulmonary diseases were included. The nasopharyngeal luminal change was calculated on inspiratory and expiratory cervical lateral radiographs. The median nasopharyngeal luminal change was 21.6% (range, 0.3-85.6%). In five dogs, a nasopharyngeal luminal change of >50% was identified. There was no correlation between nasopharyngeal luminal changes and age, sex, body weight, or body condition score. These results suggest that brachycephalic dogs without cardiopulmonary diseases may be over-diagnosed with partial pharyngeal collapse. Further studies comparing nasopharyngeal luminal changes between clinically healthy brachycephalic dogs and dogs with respiratory signs are warranted.

Nasopharyngeal collapse can be identified on radiography in healthy male Beagle dogs without cardiopulmonary diseases.

Pharyngeal collapse has been described as a decrease of more than 50% in the diameter of the lumen. However, there has been no study on changes in the pharyngeal lumen in clinically normal dogs. The hypothesis of this prospective, observational, and pilot study was that change in nasopharyngeal lumen would be over 50% in Beagle dogs without cardiopulmonary diseases. Thus, we assessed the nasopharyngeal luminal change using cervical radiography in Beagle dogs without respiratory signs or cardiac abnormalities. The study sample included 42 Beagle dogs without cardiopulmonary diseases. Cervical radiographies were acquired during inspiration and expiration, and nasopharyngeal luminal change (%) was calculated. The median nasopharyngeal luminal change was 16.6%, and nasopharyngeal luminal change over 50% was identified in two dogs. The nasopharyngeal luminal change was significantly associated with body condition score and body weight. There was no correlation between nasopharyngeal luminal change and age. This study revealed that change in nasopharyngeal lumen over 50% can be identified in Beagle dogs without cardiopulmonary diseases and may be over-diagnosed as partial pharyngeal collapse. Further studies for comparing change in nasopharyngeal lumen between clinically normal dogs and dogs with respiratory signs are warranted.

Identification of the intermediate host of Gongylonema sp., the etiological agent of the necrotic oropharyngeal disease of the Scops owl (Otus scops).

Since 1997, fledgling Scops owls (Chordata: Strigidae) have been brought to the Brinzal Owl Rescue Centre (Madrid, Spain) with severe lesions in their oral cavities. Lesions consist of the presence of proliferative necrotic material in the oral cavity resulting in white plaques, which can lead to death by starvation. This disease has been detected in owls only within the limits of the city of Madrid. The etiologic agent has been identified as Gongylonema sp. (Nematoda: Spirurida), a nematode genus that includes a coprophagous arthropod as intermediate host in its cycle. The aim of this study was to identify the intermediate host of the parasite. Our work was structured in four component phases: i) Diet study of newborn chicks; ii) trapping arthropods that could be intermediate hosts; iii) molecular detection of the parasite in the selected arthropods: and iv) molecular characterization of the detected parasites by amplifying the cox1 gene. Four male owls were radio-tagged in order to locate their nests and a camera trap was placed to identify the prey brought to the owlets. Secondly, the arthropods present in the hunting areas of the owls were sampled, identified and analyzed by real time PCR (rtPCR). Only oriental cockroaches, B. orientalis (Arthropoda: Blattodea), were positive by rtPCR detection of Gongylonema sp. (66.7%). The nematodes obtained from cockroaches had a 99.8% identity of the cox1 gene with the Gongylonema sp. isolated for the first time in a Scops owl. Furthermore, these sequences only showed an <89% identity with all the other Gongylonema sequences available in the GenBank database. We conclude that the oriental cockroach should be considered as an intermediate host of the etiologic agent of NOD.

Pharyngeal contraction secondary to its collapse in dogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) is a common disease in certain "flat-faced" dog breeds. This syndrome includes stenotic nares, elongated and thickened soft palate, laryngeal collapse, and tracheal hypoplasia. Pharyngeal collapse is also commonly observed, but it is unclear if laryngopharynx motions are merely sequelae or actually contribute to BAS respiratory symptoms. Laryngopharynx motion was imaged using dynamic four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) during spontaneous respiration in four dogs with different BAS types. Dynamic 4D-CT showed laryngopharynx motion in the following order during inspiration: pharyngeal collapse, contraction, and laryngospasm. We concluded that dynamic 4D-CT is a highly-detailed diagnostic approach for detecting laryngopharynx motion. Pharyngeal contraction during inspiration appears to contribute toward the worsening of clinical respiratory signs of BAS.

Dynamic pharyngeal collapse in three cats with different pharyngeal pathology.

Dynamic pharyngeal collapse (PC) is a rarely reported condition in cats defined as the partial or complete collapse of the pharyngeal lumen during inspiration. Herein, we report the imaging findings and clinical features of three cats with dynamic PC. Lateral radiograph of the head was insufficient to detect dynamic PC, but fluoroscopy in conscious cats revealed dynamic PC. Magnetic resonance imaging was not helpful to reveal dynamic PC and underlying diseases. We obtained biopsy samples from the irregular nasopharyngeal mucosal membrane through endoscopy in two of the three cases and high-grade B-cell lymphoma was histopathologically diagnosed. In feline cases with abnormal upper respiratory sounds, dynamic PC should be considered, and fluoroscopy is the imaging technique of choice to diagnose the condition.

Pharyngeal trauma in dairy cattle: 27 cases.

BACKGROUND: Characterization of the clinical signs, response to treatment and prognosis can be useful information for decision-making when evaluating cattle with pharyngeal trauma. OBJECTIVE: To describe the signalment, history, clinicopathologic, endoscopic, ultrasonographic, radiographic, and postmortem findings as well as treatments and outcomes of cattle diagnosed with pharyngeal perforation/trauma. ANIMALS: Review of medical records of cattle >1 month of age admitted to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1995 to 2017. METHODS: Retrospective study. Review of medical records of cattle with pharyngeal perforation/trauma identified by oral or endoscopic examination in hospital setting. RESULTS: Twenty-seven out of 7550 (0.36%) cases met the inclusion criteria. Pharyngeal perforation/trauma was associated with the administration of a bolus in 24 (89%) cows and a magnet in 3 (11%) cases. The boluses contained monensin (n = 12), calcium salts (n = 5), iodine (n = 1), aspirin (n = 1), vitamins (n = 1), and an unknown product (n = 4). The primary clinical signs were dysphagia, swelling of the throatlatch, subcutaneous emphysema, swelling, and pain on palpation of the throatlatch. Seventeen (63%) cows were discharged whereas 10 (37%) were euthanized. Median time between the suspected traumatic event and hospital admission was 1 day (range: 0.5-3 days) and 2 days (range: 0.5-15) for surviving and nonsurviving cattle, respectively. All 5 cows that suffered pharyngeal trauma associated with administration of calcium salt bolus were euthanized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Pharyngeal trauma is a rare condition in cattle. Case fatality rate increases if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The nature of the penetrating foreign body influences the outcome.

Oropharyngeal Trichomonosis Due to Trichomonas gypaetinii in a Cinereous Vulture ( Aegypius monachus) Fledgling in Spain.

A juvenile Cinereous Vulture ( Aegypius monachus) fledgling was found disorientated on the roof of a building in Madrid City, Spain, in October 2016. A veterinary examination revealed multiple plaques distributed throughout the oropharyngeal cavity. Lesions were located under the tongue and at the choanal slit, hard palate, and esophagus opening and ranged from 2 to 7 mm, coalescing in areas up to 2 cm, with a yellowish color of the surface. Motile trichomonad trophozoites were detected in fresh wet mount smears from the lesions. Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1/5.8S/ITS2 and small subunit ribosomal RNA confirmed that Trichomonas gypaetinii was the etiologic agent. Microbiologic cultures did not reveal any pathogenic bacteria or fungi. The animal recovered successfully after treatment with metronidazole and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and was later released in a suitable habitat. Avian trichomonosis lesions caused by T. gypaetinii have not been reported.

The prevalence of dynamic pharyngeal collapse is high in brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopy.

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency of pharyngeal collapse in a large group of brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopic assessment of swallowing or airway diameter. We hypothesized that brachycephalic dogs would have pharyngeal collapse more frequently than dolichocephalic or mesocephalic dogs with or without airway collapse. The medical records database was searched for brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopy of swallowing or airway diameter between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2015. A cohort of dolichocephalic/mesocephalic dogs with videofluoroscopically confirmed airway collapse was age and time matched for comparison. A control group of dolichocephalic/mesocephalic dogs that did not have documented airway collapse was also evaluated. All fluoroscopic studies were assessed by a board certified veterinary radiologist for the presence and degree of pharyngeal collapse. Results demonstrate that pharyngeal collapse was significantly more common in brachycephalic dogs (58/82; 72%) than in nonbrachycephalic dogs with (7/25; 28%) and without (2/30; 7%) airway collapse. Pharyngeal collapse is more prevalent in brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopy than in dolichocephalic/mesocephalic dogs with or without airway collapse.

Computed tomographic appearance of canine tonsillar neoplasia: 14 cases.

The palatine tonsil is an uncommon site of oral canine neoplasia. For affected tonsils, squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent type of neoplasia, followed by melanoma and lymphoma. Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used for investigation of canine oropharyngeal pathology; however, limited information is available on the CT appearance of tonsillar neoplasms. Objectives of this retrospective descriptive case series were to characterize the CT features of canine tonsillar neoplasia and determine whether specific CT features differentiate nonneoplastic from neoplastic tonsils. Computed tomographic studies of 14 dogs diagnosed with tonsillar neoplasia were retrieved from two referral hospitals and reviewed by two observers. Diagnosis was based on histology or cytology. Carcinoma was diagnosed in 11 dogs, melanoma in two and lymphoma in one dog. Specific CT features of the tonsil and regional lymph nodes did not differentiate neoplastic from nonneoplastic tonsillar diseases, but regional lymph node CT features were useful for diagnosis in some cases. Marked enlargement (width ≥ 18 mm, 12/18), heterogeneity (16/18), and loss of the hypoattenuating hilus (18/18) of the medial retropharyngeal lymph node were common concomitant features of tonsillar neoplasia. The medial retropharyngeal and mandibular lymphadenomegaly was ipsilateral to the neoplastic tonsil in 8/12 and 6/9 dogs, respectively. Five dogs demonstrated little or no enlargement of the tonsil despite the associated metastatic lymphadenomegaly. Tonsillar neoplasia should therefore be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs with CT evidence of isolated medial retropharyngeal lymphadenomegaly (regardless of normally sized tonsils), or of any enlarged tonsil with no associated lymphadenomegaly.

Acute upper airway obstruction due to retropharyngeal hematoma in a dog with Anaplasma species: a case study.

BACKGROUND: Retropharyngeal hematoma is a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose and may progress rapidly to airway obstruction. The authors report the first known case of acute upper airway obstruction resulting from retropharyngeal hematoma in a dog. Documented causes in human medicine have included coagulopathic states, trauma, infection, parathyroid adenoma rupture, and foreign body ingestion. Vague symptoms in humans such as sore throat, shortness of breath, dysphonia, dysphagia, and neck swelling may precede lethal airway obstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: The authors report a case of an 18-month-old, intact female water spaniel with thrombocytopenia that developed a massive retropharyngeal hematoma and symptoms of airway compromise. The dog required tracheal intubation followed by surgical tracheostomy. Lateral cervical radiography and magnetic resonance imaging of the neck was consistent with a retropharyngeal hematoma compromising the airway. The retropharyngeal hematoma was managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Retropharyngeal hematoma should be considered in patients presenting with abrupt respiratory distress. Magnetic resonance imaging allowed specific diagnosis of a rare condition that is otherwise difficult to diagnose.

Signalment, clinical presentation, concurrent diseases, and diagnostic findings in 28 dogs with dynamic pharyngeal collapse (2008-2013).

BACKGROUND: Most information about pharyngeal collapse in dogs is anecdotal and extrapolated from human medicine. A single case report describing dynamic pharyngeal collapse in a cat has been published, but there is no literature describing this disease process in dogs. OBJECTIVE: To describe the signalment, clinical presentation, concurrent disease processes, and imaging findings of a population of client-owned dogs with pharyngeal collapse. ANIMALS: Twenty-eight client-owned dogs with pharyngeal collapse. METHODS: Radiology reports of dogs for which fluoroscopy of the respiratory system was performed were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with a fluoroscopic diagnosis of pharyngeal collapse were included in the study population. Data regarding clinical signs, diagnostic, and pathologic findings were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-eight dogs met the inclusion criteria. The median age of affected patients was 6.6 years, whereas median body condition score was 7/9. The most common clinical signs were coughing (n = 20) and stertor (n = 5). In 27 of 28 cases, a concurrent or previously diagnosed cardiopulmonary disorder was detected. The most common concurrent disease processes were mainstem bronchi collapse (n = 18), tracheal collapse (n = 17), and brachycephalic airway syndrome (n = 8). Fluoroscopy identified complete pharyngeal collapse in 20 of 28 dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Pharyngeal collapse is a complex disease process that likely is secondary to long-term negative pressure gradients and anatomic and functional abnormalities. Based on the findings of this study, pharyngeal fluoroscopy may be useful diagnostic test in patients with suspected tracheal and mainstem bronchial collapse to identify concurrent pharyngeal collapse.

Update on diseases and treatment of the pharynx.

This article reviews dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) and nasopharyngeal cicatrix. Palatial instability results in exercise intolerance and upper respiratory noise in performance horses. Palatial instability can progress to DDSP either permanently or only during exercise. There have been advancements related to the etiopathogensis, diagnosis, and treatment of DDSP. The laryngeal tie-forward has gained popularity and is the most widely accepted treatment option for this condition, either alone or in combination with other procedures. Nasopharyngeal cicatrix affects a small geographic region. Diagnosis is definitively made via endoscopy. The most effective treatment of this condition is a permanent tracheostomy.

The prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns during exercise and associations with dynamic upper respiratory tract obstructions.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is very limited published information on the prevalence and significance of abnormal breathing patterns adopted during canter/gallop. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns during canter/gallop and to investigate whether these may be associated with dynamic upper respiratory tract (URT) obstructions. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of clinical records. METHODS: Simultaneous audio and URT videoendoscopy recordings from 365 horses referred for treadmill evaluation were analysed. RESULTS: Thirty percent of horses had an abnormal breathing pattern at canter or gallop, of which 23% had a 2:1 breathing pattern (i.e. one breath is taken over two strides). The prevalence of abnormal breathing patterns was higher at low canter speeds than during strenuous exercise. There was a significant association between breathing pattern during strenuous exercise and the presence of an URT obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that abnormal breathing patterns during canter and gallop may be associated with dynamic URT obstructions; therefore, horses identified by owners or veterinary surgeons to have an abnormal breathing pattern during exercise, in particular a 2:1 breathing pattern, may warrant investigations for diagnosis of respiratory tract disease.

Upper respiratory tract endoscopy in the cat: a minimally invasive approach to diagnostics and therapeutics.

CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Endoscopy of the feline upper respiratory tract has always taken a bit of a back seat to exploration of the canine nose and paranasal sinuses, pharynx and trachea, due to some anatomic limitations and lack of availability of appropriate-sized equipment. PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: With proper training, however, even the inexperienced endoscopist can find that endoscopy and endoscopic surgery can be of tremendous utility in feline practice. What had previously been largely off-limits sites, in terms of direct visualization and surgical intervention, the feline rhinarium, paranasal sinuses, pharynx and trachea are now anatomic areas that can be effectively visualized in most clinical scenarios. Moreover, endoscopic surgery is now an area gaining significant appreciation for its diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. AUDIENCE: This article will not serve as a complete treatise on disease processes of the upper respiratory tract in cats, but rather is intended as a technical and instructional reference point on upper airway endoscopy for veterinary surgeons, both in first opinion as well as referral small animal practice.

Obstrução respiratória causada por mucocele salivar faríngea em um cão / Respiratory obstruction caused by salivary mucocele pharyngeal in a dog

Conforme Dunnig (2007) não é recomendado o tratamento apenas por aspiração ou drenagem, devido à ocorrência de recidiva em poucos dias. A relevância clínica deste caso está relacionada à viabilidade da cricotireoidotomia para melhora da angústia respiratória e a utilização da técnica de marsupialização como tratamento eficaz, pois não ocorreu recidiva no caso relatado, embora a realização dessa técnica possa apresentar comprometimento da via aérea superior e possibilidade de disfunção da deglutição em caso de recidiva.

Dysphagia associated with presumed pharyngeal dysfunction in 16 neonatal foals.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Dysphagia due to pharyngeal dysfunction occurs in human neonates and is associated with prematurity and hypoxic episodes. This syndrome probably occurs in neonatal foals but has not been reported. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to describe 1) a series of neonatal foals with dysphagia due to pharyngeal dysfunction; 2) the progression, treatment and resolution of the dysphagia; 3) the comorbidities; and 4) the prognosis for life and athleticism for affected foals. METHODS: Records from 3 referral equine hospitals were reviewed from neonatal foals with dysphagia of pharyngeal origin. Inclusion criteria were a normal to strong suckle, dysphagia evidenced by milk at the nostrils after nursing the dam, and endoscopic examination of the airway. Foals with mechanical reasons for dysphagia, botulism or hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis were not included. RESULTS: Sixteen neonatal foals qualified for the study. Eight (50%) were premature and/or diagnosed with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. Twelve (75%) had aspiration pneumonia. Fifteen foals were discharged alive from the hospital, nursing the mare with no evidence of dysphagia (n = 14), or mild dysphagia (n = 1), a mean +/- s.d. of 7 +/- 6 days (median = 6.3 days, range 0-22 days) after hospital admission. One foal was subjectedto euthanasia in hospital. Follow-up nformation was available for 14 animals. Thirteen of 16 (81%) were alive and included one yearling and 12 horses >2 years old. Seven of the 14 (50%) were racing, training or in work, and 6 horses were pets, breeding animals or had unknown athletic status. Two had laryngeal deficits. One foal was subjected to euthanasia within weeks of discharge from the hospital due to aspiration pneumonia. CONCLUSION: Dysphagia related to pharyngeal dysfunction occurs in equine neonates and can resolve, but may require days to weeks of supportive care. Prognosis for life is favourable and for athleticism fair.

Pharyngeal pouch and cleft remnants in the dog and cat: a case series and review.

Remnants of the pharyngeal apparatus can (rarely) form cysts. This retrospective case series describes clinical and histologic findings of such lesions. Clinical and histology databases were searched for cases of pharyngeal remnants. Eight patients were diagnosed with cysts located subcutaneously in the head and neck, adjacent to the submandibular salivary gland, near the thyroid, and in the mediastinum. Cyst linings included ciliated epithelium, and surgical excision was curative. Knowledge of pharyngeal development is useful for their characterization. Clinicians should consider pharyngeal remnants as differentials for cystic lesions in small animals.

Guttural pouch diseases causing neurologic dysfunction in the horse.

The close relationship between guttural pouches, cranial nerves, and sympathetic structures make neurologic abnormalities due to diseases of the guttural pouches (especially mycosis) possible. Recognition of epistaxis or mucopurulent nasal discharge, together with signs of dysfunction of the cranial nerves in contact with the guttural pouches, are important key points in order to consider a comprehensive evaluation of these structures and further definitive diagnosis. Diseases of the guttural pouches can also cause signs such as dysphagia, abnormal soft palate positioning, laryngeal paralysis, and Horner syndrome due to lesions in one or more of the cranial nerves or sympathetic structures involved with these functions. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment.