Sub‐epiglottic pharyngeal pouch remnant cyst in a 6‐month‐old female Labrador Retriever

Abstract

A 6‐month‐old entire female Labrador Retriever was presented for intermittent respiratory rasping and rattling made worse with excitement and exercise, which appeared to be distressing for the patient. Clinical findings revealed a fluid‐filled cystic structure at the base of the tongue in a sub‐epiglottic position. Serum concentrations of total thyroxine, free thyroxine and thyroid‐stimulating hormone were within normal limits. A CT scan revealed a 2‐cm diameter spherical, encapsulated structure, filled with fluid attenuating material, positioned in the midline at the base of the tongue adjacent to the basihyoid. The cyst was surgically excised via an oral approach, and histopathological findings were suggestive of a pharyngeal pouch remnant cyst. There were no post‐surgical complications, and the dog made an unremarkable recovery. At 12‐month long‐term follow‐up, the owner reported that the dog remained fit and well showing no further signs of respiratory noise, exercise restriction or evidence of recurrence.