Management of the traumatic oronasal fistula in the cat with a conical silastic prosthetic device

Abstract

Management of a traumatic oronasal fistula with a prosthetic device in an 8-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat is described. The animal had fallen from a height of three stories at the age of 1 year. The fall had resulted in a fracture of the hard palate and a split in the palatal mucosa. Two surgical attempts to close the defect had been unsuccessful and an autopolymerizable acrylic resin prosthesis had produced unsatisfactory results. The management of the chronic traumatic fistula with a conical prosthetic device was fast, easy and efficient. The device was removed and a second one was put in place after 2 years. This method would appear particularly useful for obturation of large palatal defects that have failed to heal after attempts at surgical closure and is an alternative treatment for debilitated cats which may not be candidates for longer surgical procedures.

Prosthetic Appliance for Oronasal Communication Obturation in a Dog

“…When surgical techniques are not possible due to a lack of autogenous tissue, compromised blood supply, or underlying pathology, such as autoimmune disease or neoplasia, the placement of a prosthetic appliance can greatly improve the quality of life in some patients. 2,[12][13][14][15][16][17] Most obturators are retained through contact with dentition and curvatures of the oral soft tissue. [8][9][10] Obturators are most commonly used as a transitional treatment before definitive repair to address swallowing difficulties and problems associated with speech.…”

“…15,16 It has also been described in recent human literature as a temporary obturator for oronasal communication that was eventually used long-term following The nasal septal button has been adapted and used to obturate palatal defects in cats following multiple attempts at surgical closure.…”

“…15 The simple design and minimal anesthesia required for placing the nasal septal button make it a viable option for obturation of palatal defects that are not amenable to surgery. However, in a previously reported case, the silicone button became discolored and unsymmetrical after two years in a cat, and was eventually replaced after clinical signs of rhinitis persisted.…”

Repair of Oronasal Fistulae Using Auricular Cartilage Grafts in Five Cats

“…Treatment of the oronasal fistula using a septal nasal button 7,9 was attempted; however, sneezing continued and examination within a few days revealed trapping of food and hair around the fistula site and ulceration of the palatine mucosa. The prosthesis was removed and a gastrostomy tube inserted to reduce nasal cavity contamination, discomfort, and tension on subsequent wound repair.…”

Die Verwendung einer Kollagen-Matrix (VetBiosist®) zum Verschluss von Gaumenspalten bei Hund und Katze

“…Bei Katzen führen Stürze aus großer Höhe häufig zu Frakturen der Mittellinie der Maxilla und gleichzeitig zu einer Weichteiltrennung des harten Gaumens. Diese traumatischen Gaumenspalten heilen in vielen Fällen spontan ab, bei starker Instabilität oder großflächiger Zusammenhangstrennung ist jedoch eine chirurgische Versorgung notwendig (4,15). Durch diese oronasale Verbindung kann es zum Ausniesen von Futterbestandteilen durch die Nase kommen und es besteht häufig eine chronische Rhinitis.…”