This 12 year old MN Papillon dog presented with coughing and inspiratory rales.
This 12 year old MN Papillon dog presented with coughing and inspiratory rales.
Case Study
RAD – Possible upper airway obstruction by redundant tracheal membrane in a 12 year old MN Papillon
Image Interpretation
Rads of the thorax –
The lung volume is small. Mild to moderate aerophagia is noted which likely is owing to intermittent respiratory distress. Significant dorsoventral narrowing of the cervical trachea by a redundant tracheal membrane (the dorsal wall of the trachea is seen throughout) is noted from the caudal cervical region to the cranial thoracic aperture on the expiratory view. The larynx is not included in the views. The lung reveals a mild generalized bronchointerstitial pattern. No mediastinal widening is noted.
DX
Possible upper airway obstruction by a redundant tracheal membrane ¥ Respiratory distress with aerophagia ¥ Mild bronchointerstitial pattern
Outcome
Typically a redundant tracheal membrane is an incidental finding and not consistent with a true tracheal collapse. In this case though the degree of tracheal narrowing and the length of stenosis is marked, indirect signs of an upper airway obstruction are seen as well as signs of respiratory distress which all suggests this being a relevant intermittent change. Comprehensive evaluation & verifcation requires dynamic assessment by tracheoscopy and/or fluoroscopy. Tracheobronchoscopy is the preferred method for further workup here since it allows for rule out of differential diagnoses such as tracheitis/laryngitis, bronchial collapse and allergic or infectious (viral, and unlikely bacterial/fungal) at the same time.
Patient Information
Patient Name :
Levi Pellegrini/Bayshore
Gender :
Male, Neutered
Species :
Canine
Type of Imaging : Ultrasound
Status :
Complete
Liz Wuz Here :
Yes
Code :
17_00051
Clinical Signs
- Coughing
Images
Clinical Signs
- Coughing