ABSTRACT

Laryngeal and tracheal diseases are commonly reported in small animals. Impairment of structure or function of the upper airway may result in audible airflow changes during respiration at rest or during exercise, altered voice, frequent coughing. Animals that fall into the brachycephalic category may have one or more of the following anatomic features: stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, laryngeal edema, laryngeal collapse, edematous and everted laryngeal saccules, in some instances, hypoplastic trachea. Laryngeal paralysis is characterized by airflow limitation, primarily during inspiration, resulting in varying degrees of respiratory distress. Laryngeal webbing occurs when the mucosa of the larynx is disrupted and scar tissue is allowed to form. Web formation in the airways secondary to surgery or trauma is an uncommon but recognized problem in both dogs and cats. Clinical signs are consistent with those described with laryngeal and tracheal diseases. Due to poor secretion clearance from the narrowed trachea, many cases are incorrectly diagnosed as having episodes of recurring pneumonia.