Respiratory Diseases Flashcards
Laryngeal paralysis - URTD
What is the aetiology?
- More common in dogs, mid to old age.
- Larger breeds such as Labrador, Golden Retriever more commonly affected.
Most cases are idiopathic.
Some may be due to nerve damage due to trauma or neoplasia or iatrogenic damage!
Some present as part of a wider nervous system dysfunction – polyneuropathy.
In some dogs hypothyroidism is associated with this condition.
Laryngeal paralysis - URTD
What is the pathophysiology?
Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (s) that supply the muscles of the larynx that move the vocal cords.
This leads to functional failure of the vocal folds to open fully during inspiration (arytenoid cartilages do not abduct fully).
Inspiration becomes difficult as the vocal folds remain in a closed position leading to dyspnoea.
Laryngeal paralysis - URTD
What are the clinical signs?
A slow onset disease that may present acutely particularly in hot weather/ after exertion.
Initially a cough that progresses to:
- Increased inspiratory noise – stridor (roar/whistle)
- Exercise intolerance
- May be change in voice
- Problems swallowing food/water
- May present as acute collapse and respiratory distress!
Laryngeal paralysis - URTD
What are the diagnostic techniques?
Clinical signs and findings on neuro exam, i.e., older dog of large breed.
Examination of the larynx should be performed under sedation using a laryngoscope or endoscope to visualise the vocal folds during inspiration.
Full neurological exam to establish if polyneuropathy is present.
Bloods to rule out other metabolic conditions such as hypothyroidism.
Tracheal Collapse - URTD
What is the aetiology?
Commonly observed in toy breeds especially Yorkshire Terriers , obese small breeds.
Exact causes unclear but thought to be a combination of genetic, nutritional and/or allergic triggers.
Tracheal Collapse - URTD
What is the pathophysiology?
Incomplete formation or weakening of c-shaped tracheal cartilages lead to inability to maintain patency of trachea.
During inspiration the cervical portion of the trachea collapses leading to airway obstruction.
During expiration the thoracic portion of the trachea collapses.
Tracheal Collapse - URTD
What are the clinical signs?
Cough at exercise
‘goose honk’
Progressive signs of resp distress that may be paroxysmal
Tracheal Collapse - URTD
What are the diagnostic techniques?
Endoscopy (bronchoscopy) of trachea (graded according to severity)
Fluoroscopy – video x-ray for real time diagnosis
Chest radiography – less reliable as sole means
Upper Respiratory Tract Disease
What are the clinical signs?
Sneezing
Stertor
Rubbing face
Dysponea
Rhinitis/Sinusitis
Discharges
Stirdor
Upper Respiratory Tract Disease
What is the aetiology?
Cat flu
Foreign body
Tumour - neoplasia
Allergy
Trauma
Kennel Cough
Bacterial or fungal infections
Brachycephalics
Laryngeal paralysis
Tracheal collapse
