Nasopharyngeal polyps in cats

Nasopharyngeal polyps are benign growths that occur in kittens and young adult cats. Their origin is unknown, but they are often attached to the base of the eustachian tube. They can extend into the external ear canal, middle ear, pharynx, and nasal cavity. Grossly they are pink, polypoid growths, often arising from a stalk. Their gross appearance can be mistaken for neoplasia.

Respiratory signs caused by nasopharyngeal polyps in cats include stertorous breathing, upper airway obstruction, and serousto-mucopurulent nasal discharge. Signs of otitis externa or otitis media/interna, such as head tilt, nystagmus, or Horner's syndrome can also occur.

Identification of a soft tissue opacity above the soft palate radiographically and gross visualization of a mass in the nasopharynx, nasal cavity, or external ear canal support a tentative diagnosis of nasopharyngeal polyp in cats. Complete evaluation of cats with polyps also includes a deep ostocopic examination and radiographs of the osseous bullae to determine the extent of involvement. The majority of cats with polyps have otitis media detectable radiographically as thickened bone or increase soft tissue opacity of the bullae. The definitive diagnosis is made by histopathologic analysis of tissue biopsy; the specimen is usually obtained during surgical excision. Nasopharyngeal polyps are composed of inflammatory tissue, fibrous connective tissue, and epithelium.

We would love to hear your pet's story. Please add a comment.

MORE VETERINARY ARTICLES

  • Symptoms of dog stroke
    Symptoms of dog stroke Dog stroke symptoms occur when heat production or input exceeds heat output so body temperature rises to dangerous...
  • Renal effects in dogs and cats
    Renal efferent glomerular arteriolar constriction, mediated by sympathetic stimulation and angiotensin II, helps maintain glomerular filtrat...
  • Composition of natural milk in cats and dogs
    Immediately after parturition, the dam produces a special type of milk called colostrum. Colostrum is vitally important for the provision of...
  • Ultrasonography and Nuclear Imaging
    Ultrasonography is used to evaluate pulmonary mass lesions adjacent to the body wall, diaphragm, or heart, and also consolidated lung lobes...
  • Signs of pulmonary edema in dogs
    Symptoms of pulmonary edema in dogs. Pulmonary interstitial fluid accumulation causes the pulmonary parenchyma to appear hazy; pulmonary ves...
  • Pathology
    It is typical to see dilatation of all cardiac chambers in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), although left atrial and ventricular enla...
  • Stomatitis in dogs and cats
    Dogs and cats stomatitis causes, symptoms and treatment There are many causes of canine and feline stomatitis . The common causes are: ren...
  • Diabetes diagnosis in dogs and cats
    A diagnosis of canine diabetes mellitus is based on persistent fasting hyperglycemia and glycosuria. The normal fasting value for blood glu...
  • Hypoallergenic dog food
    Hypoallergenic dog food and elimination diets are indicated if a dietary allergy (i.e., an immune-mediated hypersensitivity to a dietary co...
  • Congestive heart failure in dogs
    Idiopathic DCM is most common in large and giant breeds of dogs, including Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, Saint Bernards, Scottish Deerho...