Nasopharyngeal disorders of dogs and cats: A review and retrospective study

Nasopharyngeal disease was diagnosed in 38 dogs and 24 cats at the University Veterinary Centre, Sydney, Australia, between 1990 and 2001. Most of the animals were presented for stertor and/or difficult breathing. Evaluation of animals with suspected nasopharyn-geal disease includes physical examination (particularly of local lymph nodes), digital palpation of the soft palate while the animal Is under sedation or anesthesia, and visualization of the nasopharynx using retraction of the soft palate or flexible retrograde endoscopy. The nasopharynx may be approached surgically by incision of the soft palate when manipulation of catheters, nasal flushing, or endoscopic biopsy fails to dislodge obstructing material or yield a diagnostic sample.