ABSTRACT
Diseases of the nasopharynx have been reported in dogs, but are more common in cats1-3. In dogs, diseases of the nasopharynx are often an extension of diseases of the nose (for example rhinitis, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and neoplastic disease), though specific nasopharyngeal abnormalities can be found as well. Cats are often afflicted with primary nasopharyngeal disease. Foreign bodies4-7 (Figs 12.1A-C), neoplastic disease1,3,8-11(Fig. 12.2), inflammatory polyps1,3,12-18, fungal granulomas19,20, cysts21-23 and choanal atresia or nasopharyngeal stenosis24-28 are encountered as causes of nasopharyngeal symptoms in dogs and cats. The middle ears and nasopharynx are commonly inflamed
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Congenital (choanal atresia) and acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis are debilitating diseases that are not uncommonly seen and present a therapeutic chall enge. They will be specifically discussed in this chapter. Nasopharyngeal cysts, Rathke’s clefts or craniopharyngiomas are rare abnormalities that can cause significant obstruction of the nasopharyngeal airway and will therefore also be discussed here. Nasopharyngeal foreign bodies have been reviewed in Chapter 11 Diseases of the Nasal Cavity and Sinuses, Section 11.5, and for a review of causes of nasopharyngitis the reader is referred to the respective sections on rhinitis and pharyngitis/laryngitis in this book. Neoplastic disease has been discussed in Chapter 11 Diseases of the Nasal Cavity and Sinuses, Section 11.8, nasopharyngeal polyps in Chapter 5 Aetiology and Pathogenesis of Otitis Externa, Section 5.9.
