Laryngeal disease in cats: A retrospective study of 35 cases

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to review the medical records of cats referred to the University of Bristol for investigation of laryngeal disease (n=35). Cases were categorised into one of four groups: cats with laryngeal paralysis (LP, n=14), laryngeal neoplasia (n=10), laryngeal inflammation (n=6), or miscellaneous laryngeal diseases (n=5). Laryngoscopy and echolaryngography were useful diagnostic techniques but histology was required for diagnosis of diseases other than LP. Two cats with lymphoma received chemotherapy achieving survival times of 60 and 1440 days. Four cats with LP were treated surgically, with a median survival time of 300 days (range 10-360 days) and six were treated conservatively with a median survival time of 780 days (range 300-2520 days). Three cats with inflammatory disease were treated medically and one by excision of the lesion. Two cats achieved survival times of 120 and 2800 days. Cats with LP, laryngeal lymphoma or laryngitis had excellent long-term survival following appropriate treatment.

Clinical and radiographic findings in cats with aspiration pneumonia: retrospective evaluation of 28 cases

“…The prevalence is seemingly low, possibly due to better inherent airway defence mechanisms in cats such as a rapid and strong laryngospasm reflex (Rex 1970(Rex , 1971). There have been only a few case reviews that describe cats with aspiration pneumonia, including those with documented laryngeal disease and those with neurologic deficits including feline dysautonomia and permethrin toxicity (Taylor et al 2009, Boland & Angles 2010, Novellas et al 2010, Thunberg & Lantz 2010. Two cases of aspiration pneumonia following oral administration of mineral oil have also been reported (Chalifoux et al 1987, De Souza et al 1998.…”

Computed Tomography of Nonanesthetized Cats With Upper Airway Obstruction

“…U pper airway obstruction is uncommon in cats, but may be life threatening when it occurs. Reported causes include laryngeal paralysis, trauma, foreign bodies, and benign and neoplastic masses . Radiography is the standard screening test for most veterinary patients with suspected upper airway obstruction, however superimposition may limit accurate evaluation of the degree and extent of disease.…”

“…Definitive diagnosis for upper airway obstruction is most often based on visual laryngoscopy and endoscopy. In cases with intra or extramural masses, fine‐needle aspirate and/or biopsy are also commonly used . However, these tests require heavy sedation or general anesthesia and may not be suitable for patients in which corrective surgery or tracheostomy is not an option.…”

Trachea and bronchus

“…Interestingly, in a study of 35 cats with laryngeal disease performed at another institution, none of the cats were managed with temporary tracheostomy, suggesting that alternative methods of managing upper airway obstruction are often effective. 53 Tubes of the appropriate size for cats do not have an inner cannula ( Fig. 46-10) and must be cleaned and suctioned on a regular schedule.…”