URT Surgery in Small Animals

A series of flashcards to help review key concepts and surgical procedures related to Upper Respiratory Tract surgery in small animals, including pathophysiology, clinical signs, and treatment options.

What are the primary factors of pathophysiology in small animal URT surgery?

Stenotic external nares, overlength and hypertrophy of the soft palate, tonsillar hypertrophy, oversize of the tongue, everted laryngeal ventricles.

Define Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

A condition affecting brachycephalic breeds characterized by respiratory distress due to anatomical abnormalities.

What is laryngeal collapse?

A condition where the laryngeal structures collapse, leading to airway obstruction.

What is the grading system for BOAS severity?

Grades I to III based on respiratory noise, effort, and presence of dyspnea.

What is stage 1 of laryngeal collapse?

Eversion of the laryngeal saccule.

What is the surgical procedure called to remove everted laryngeal saccules?

Excision of everted laryngeal saccules.

What does 'partial staphylectomy' refer to?

Surgery of the soft palate to reduce excess tissue.

What is arytenoid lateralisation?

Surgical procedure to widen the rima glottidis and prevent collapse of arytenoid cartilage.

What are common clinical signs of idiopathic acquired laryngeal paralysis?

Stridor, cough, dyspnea, change in phonation, and exercise intolerance.

What is tracheal collapse?

A condition characterized by excessive collapsibility of the trachea, leading to flattening of the tracheal lumen.

What are typical clinical signs of tracheal collapse?

Classic 'goose-honk' cough, cough triggered by pulling on a leash, and exercise.

What is the medical management for tracheal collapse?

Use of antitussives, bronchodilators, and possibly corticosteroids.

What is the typical diagnosis for idiopathic acquired laryngeal paralysis?

Characteristic clinical signs, laryngoscopy, and neurological examination.

List some potential complications of arytenoid lateralisation surgery.

Seroma formation, aspiration pneumonia, inadequate lateralisation, suture failure.

What kind of nasal disease is commonly seen in dogs?

Canine fungal rhinitis, tumors, chronic rhinitis, and dental disease.

Identify a common pathogen in fungal rhinitis.

Aspergillus fumigatus.

What imaging techniques are used for nasal disease investigation?

CT scan, radiography, and rhinoscopy.

What constitutes chronic rhinitis in cats?

Inflammation and swelling of the conchae leading to mucus production and often secondary infection.

What is the significance of nasal flush in nasal disease diagnosis?

Helps in the removal of discharge and aids in sampling for diagnostics.

How is fungal rhinitis diagnosed?

History, clinical signs, blood tests, imaging, rhinoscopy, and biopsy.

What is the treatment for fungal rhinitis?

Oral antifungal agents, topical therapy, and minimally invasive procedures.

What are the signs indicating that a dog may suffer from laryngeal paralysis?

Stridor, change in bark, and exercise intolerance.

What are the possible secondary causes of pharyngeal and laryngeal issues in dogs?

Neurogenic atrophy and chronic respiratory disease.

What is the effect of heat and exercise on clinical signs of laryngeal paralysis?

Signs worsen with heat and exercise.

How is the rima glottidis size affected?

Determined by the respiratory needs of the animal during inspiration and expiration.

What are the common treatments for nasal tumours in dogs?

Surgical excision and possibly chemotherapy.

What diagnostic test is often used to rule out coagulopathy in nasal disease?

Coagulation profile.

Describe the endoscopic examination for laryngeal collapse.

Laryngoscopy under general anaesthesia to visualize the larynx.

What is a traditional method for nasal surgery in brachycephalic dogs?

Rhinoplasty with wedge-resection.

What does 'stridor' signify in affected animals?

Loud breathing sounds due to an obstruction in the airway.

What is a significant characteristic of nasal discharge in fungal rhinitis?

Mucopurulent discharge often flecked with blood.

In what breeds is sinonasal aspergillosis more commonly seen?

Medium to long-nosed breeds.

What is a potential cause of chronic rhinitis in cats suggested by research?

Feline herpesvirus 1.

What are complications associated with nasal infections in small animals?

Chronic inflammation, secondary infections, and potential for nasal deformities.

What is typically the prognosis after surgical management of laryngeal paralysis?

Generally very good in experienced hands.

What is the recommended management for dogs with laryngeal paralysis in emergency situations?

Rest, supplemental oxygen, and sedation.

When is surgical intervention recommended for tracheal collapse?

When medical management fails and quality of life is affected.