Endoscopic examination of the choanae in dogs and cats: 118 cases (1988-1998).
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether endoscopic examination of the choanae resulted in diagnosis of various diseases in dogs and cats with signs of respiratory tract disease.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
91 dogs and 27 cats that had endoscopic examination of the choanae.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed for endoscopy findings and results of examination of biopsy or cytologic specimens.


RESULTS
34 animals had neoplasia in the choanal region; in 26 animals, diagnosis was confirmed by evaluation of specimens obtained by endoscopy. Five dogs with neoplasia had an erroneous diagnosis of rhinitis made on the basis of evaluation of specimens obtained by endoscopy. Six dogs and 2 cats had foreign objects in the choanae; 7 foreign objects were removed endoscopically, whereas 1 required nasal flushing. Results of endoscopy and biopsy of the choanae provided diagnosis of cryptococcosis and aspergillosis, but did not aid in the diagnosis of pythiosis or nasal mites.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic examination of the choanae may assist in rapid diagnosis of nasal neoplasms, foreign objects, and certain infectious organisms.
Willard
M D
MD
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843, USA.
Radlinsky
M A
MA
D000818:Animals; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary; D001706:Biopsy; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002415:Cats; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004285:Dogs; D004724:Endoscopy; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000473:pathology*; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000473:pathology*; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary