Surgical removal of a thyroglossal duct cyst in a geriatric dog

Abstract

A 12-year-old, body condition score (BCS) 9, female, Poodle mix dog was presented for coughing, gasping sounds and exercise intolerance. The symptoms started 2 months prior to the presentation. Clinical findings revealed a large, fluid-filled mass on the ventral aspect of the neck. Ultrasound examination identified a large anechoic cyst. Thoracic radiographs revealed signs of bronchial pattern and right-sided cardiomegaly, as a consequence of chronic bronchitis. There was no evidence of metastatic disease. Serum concentrations of T4, fT4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were within normal limits. The cyst was removed via marginal excision. The histopathological findings were suggestive of thyroglossal duct cyst. A thyroglossal duct tract was not identified. Apart from the formation of a temporary seroma, there were no other postsurgical complications. There was no recurrence of the cyst 3 months postoperatively. To the authors’ knowledge, this is a rare case of thyroglossal duct cyst in a geriatric dog.

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

“…Thyroglossal duct cysts develop by persistence of portions of the midline embryonic primordium of the thyroid that migrate caudally from the floor of the primitive pharynx to form the postnatal thyroid lobes 29 . Generally, in the dog, they are reported to present as fluctuant masses in the ventral midline of the cervical region 11–14,16 . Currently, the histological differentiation of thyroglossal duct cysts from other cystic lesions requires the presence of thyroidogenic epithelium, or multiple layers of thyroid follicular cells, with some colloid containing follicles within the lining of the structure 29 .…”

“…29 Generally, in the dog, they are reported to present as fluctuant masses in the ventral midline of the cervical region. [11][12][13][14]16 Currently, the histological differentiation of thyroglossal duct cysts from other cystic lesions requires the presence of thyroidogenic epithelium, or multiple layers of thyroid follicular cells, with some colloid containing follicles within the lining of the structure. 29 Interestingly, in the dog with a sub-epiglottic cyst described by McCally and others, 15 as with many of the cases described in the horse, histopathology revealed only the presence of a stratified squamous epithelium with focal areas of ciliated epithelial cells.…”

“…7 Other cystic lesions in the mandibular and neck region have been reported in dogs and cats; the commonest of these is the thyroglossal duct remnant cyst. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Although visually similar, pharyngeal remnants can be histologically differentiated from thyroglossal duct remnant cysts by the presence of pseudostratified columnar or focally squamous, partially ciliated, epithelium derived from the embryonic pharynx. 17 In addition, pharyngeal remnant cysts lack the presence of a thyroidogenic epithelial lining or the presence of layers of thyroid follicular cells within their structure.…”

Diagnostic Findings and Surgical Management of Three Dogs Affected by Osseous Metaplasia Secondary to a Salivary Mucocele

“…Tumours and abscesses may appear clinically similar, but they are generally either firm or painful. A thyroglossal cyst, a pharyngeal cyst and lymphadenopathy should also be considered when making a differential diagnosis [7][8][9][10].…”