Common nasal conditions include:
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane (lining) of the nasal cavity. It can be caused by infectious pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungal pathogens, parasites) or non-infectious diseases, including: foreign bodies, allergies, trauma, dental disease and environmental irritants. Sneezing and runny nose are common. Rhinitis can affect the sinuses adjacent to the face, resulting in sinusitis.
Tumors can occur in the nose. Nasal tumors are mostly malignant tumors such as adenocarcinoma, osteosarcoma, lymphosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor may initially develop on one side of the nose, but over time may affect the nasal passages on both sides. In addition to the symptoms of sneezing and a runny nose, swelling may also appear on your pet’s face or around the eyes.
Pharyngeal disorders often present with convulsions, vomiting, or retching. Rarely, cats may develop inflammatory polyps in the affected area. Polyps are usually benign soft tissue growths that grow on the back of the nasal cavity, pharynx, or Eustachian tube. They can block the passage of air through the nasopharynx and cause middle ear problems.
Laryngeal disorders often cause respiratory distress or stridor (an audible high-pitched whirring sound). They may only involve the larynx or other parts of the upper airway.
Laryngitis is inflammation of the throat. It is most commonly seen in bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections. Clinical symptoms include cough, runny nose, difficulty or noisy breathing, and voice changes.
Brachycephalic syndrome is a brachycephalic dog condition in which several upper airway abnormalities occur simultaneously, Severely reduces the passage of air. Dogs with this syndrome may have congenitally small nostrils (narrow nasal passages), an excessively long soft palate that droops into the nasopharynx, hypoplasia of the trachea (tracheal hypoplasia), herniation of the vocal tract to the larynx (laryngopharyngeal sac). eversion) and laryngeal paralysis. All of these conditions make dogs prone to breathing difficulties, especially when they become excited or hyperactive, confined to small areas, obese, or exposed to heat and humidity. Clinical symptoms range from mild (noisy breathing, snoring, vomiting or dry phlegm, exercise intolerance) to severe (respiratory distress, cyanosis, hyperthermia, collapse, shock).
Laryngeal paralysis is an acquired disease. The cartilage that normally controls the opening and closing of the throat becomes paralyzed and the throat does not open well. Affected pets often exhibit vocal changes (hoarseness, rough barking), noisy breathing, and exercise intolerance. They may also overheat and collapse in respiratory distress.
Polyps and tumors can also occur in the throat.
Tracheal disease is often associated with cough, respiratory distress, exercise intolerance, weakness, cyanosis, or syncope. Common tracheal diseases include the following:
1. Infectious tracheobronchitis is an infectious upper respiratory disease that is common in cats that have been in contact with other infected cats, such as in Cats in boarding facilities or cat shows. The disease is usually caused by a mixture of viruses (eg, parainfluenza, adenovirus) and bacteria (especially Bordetella). Coughs associated with this disorder are often harsh, sometimes with coughing spasms that may sound like choking. At the end of the cough, the pet vomits or retches. The windpipe is often very sensitive, and any slight manipulation of the neck can cause coughing spasms.
2. Tracheitis or inflammation of the airways can also occur when exposed to irritants such as smoke, chemicals, dust, or foreign objects. Certain parasites may also migrate to the trachea, causing inflammation within the airways. Tracheitis has occasionally occurred following the use of endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia.
3. Obstruction of the trachea may be caused by inhalation of a foreign body, the growth of a tracheal tumor, or a tumor or mass in surrounding tissue impinging on the trachea.
4. Tracheal failure is a common disease in middle-aged and elderly cats. The pia on top of the cartilage in the trachea of these cats weakened and stretched. This collapses the c-cartilage, making it difficult for air to get into the lungs. It can occur with excitement, exercise, pressure on the neck from collars and leashes, and when pets eat or drink. Cough cramps, respiratory distress, weakness, and fainting can sometimes also occur in this condition.
5. The most common disease of the dog’s bronchial tree is bronchitis. Bronchitis is inflammation of the lower respiratory tract that can be caused by infections (eg, bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, parasites), irritants (eg, smoke, dust, foreign bodies), allergies, lung disease, etc. The most common symptom is usually a cough. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic.
