Cartilaginous Tumors of the Larynx and Trachea in the Dog

Abstract

Cartilaginous tumors of the larynx and trachea are uncommon in the dog. The authors describe 10 cases diagnosed between 1995 and 2014 and review 16 cases in the literature. Seven of our cases were tracheal and 3 were laryngeal. Two of the laryngeal tumors were chondromas, which have not been previously reported in this site. The third laryngeal tumor was a myxochondroma. Of the 7 tracheal tumors, 6 arose from the ventral tracheal wall, including 2 that were extraluminal. Tracheal tumor types included chondrosarcoma (n ¼ 3), chondroma (n ¼ 2), and osteochondroma (n ¼ 2). All of the laryngeal tumors and 5 of 7 of the tracheal tumors occurred in adult dogs (aged 5-11 years). The 2 tracheal osteochondromas were in young dogs (3-4 months) and were intrathoracic, while the remaining tracheal tumors were cervical. Surgical excision had a good outcome in most cases. Combining our 10 cases with the 16 previously reported cases showed that 6 (27%) of the affected dogs were Arctic breeds (Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky) suggesting a predisposition in this type of dog.

Diode laser ablation of a tracheal osteochondroma in a dog

“…Clinical manifestations include acute onset of dyspnea, as in this case, or a progressive history of upper airway obstruction, including respiratory distress, coughing, and exercise intolerance (Dubielzig & Dickey 1978, Fossum 2002, Ramirez et al 2015.…”

“…Primary tracheal tumours are rare in dogs but may include both benign (i.e., osteochondroma) and malignant tumours (i.e., adenocarcinoma, chondrosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, plasmacytoma, and squamous cell carcinoma) (Chaffin et al 1998, Weigt et al 2001, Withrow 2001, Fossum 2002, Ramirez et al 2015. Except for osteochondroma (Dubielzig & Dickey 1978, Aron et al 1980, Carlisle et al 1991, Fossum et al 2002, Ramirez et al 2015 and rhabdomyosarcoma (Yanoff et al 1996), they most frequently occur in older animals.…”

“…Except for osteochondroma (Dubielzig & Dickey 1978, Aron et al 1980, Carlisle et al 1991, Fossum et al 2002, Ramirez et al 2015 and rhabdomyosarcoma (Yanoff et al 1996), they most frequently occur in older animals.…”

“…Osteochondromas, reportedly the most common (Morrison 1980, Carlisle et al 1991, Ramirez et al 2015, are benign solitary cartilaginous growths that undergo endochondral ossification. The most frequently affected sites are the vertebrae, ribs, and long bones.…”

“…Localisation in extraskeletal sites, including the trachea, has been reported (Dubielzig & Dickey 1978, Troy 1978, Aron et al 1980, Morrison 1980, Ramirez et al 2015. Diagnosis is by thorax and neck radiography, endoscopy or computed tomography (CT), and biopsy of the mass for histopathological examination.…”