Balloon dilatation of nasopharyngeal stenosis in a dog.
METHODS
A dog was examined because of a 6-month history of upper airway stridor that began after postoperative regurgitation of gastric contents.


RESULTS
Constant stridor was evident during inspiration and expiration, although it was worse during inspiration. The stridor was no longer evident when the dog's mouth was manually held open. Computed tomography, rhinoscopy, and fluoroscopy were used to confirm a diagnosis of nasopharyngeal stenosis.


RESULTS
The dog was anesthetized, and balloon dilatation of the stenosis was performed. Prednisone was prescribed for 4 weeks after the procedure to decrease fibrous tissue formation. Although the dog was initially improved, signs recurred 3.5 weeks later, and balloon dilatation was repeated. This time, however, triamcinolone was injected into the area of stenosis at the end of the dilatation procedure. Two months later, although the dog did not have clinical signs of stridor, a third dilatation procedure was performed because mild stenosis was seen on follow-up computed tomographic images; again, triamcinolone was injected into the area of stenosis at the end of the dilatation procedure. Three and 6 months after the third dilatation procedure, the dog reportedly was clinically normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that balloon dilatation may be an effective treatment for nasopharyngeal stenosis in dogs.
Berent
Allyson C
AC
Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Kinns
Jennifer
J
Weisse
Chick
C
D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D009302:Nasopharyngeal Diseases / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome