Nasopharyngeal Stenosis in a 1 Year Old Domestic Longhair Cat
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A 1 year old domestic longhair cat presented for a 6 month history of chronic mucoid nasal discharge and open mouth breathing. Computed tomography revealed fluid to soft-tissue attenuation extending from the nasal cavity to the nasopharynx, indicating an obstruction around the level of the choanae. Differential diagnoses included choanal atresia and nasopharyngeal stenosis. Nasopharyngeal endoscopy confirmed soft tissue occlusion of the nasal airway at the level of the nasopharynx, confirming nasopharyngeal stenosis. Sheath needle perforation of the soft tissue was attempted but did not successfully penetrate the full thickness of the tissue. Further efforts to perforate the tissue under fluoroscopic guidance were declined by the owner due to financial limitations. Perforation and widening of the stenotic airway would be necessary in the future to obtain a patent nasal airway in this patient. Balloon dilation and stent placement are the current recommended procedural approaches to achieving patency.