Upper Respiratory Tract Flashcards
What is the “gold standard” for diagnosing and treating an upper respiratory tract problem?
Endoscopy
What is the indication for a permanent tracheostomy?
To by-pass obstruction
Where should you incise the trachea?
Transversely along the annular ligament
How big should your tube be if you place a tube tracheostomy?
No larger than 50% of the tracheal lumen
What are the 3 indications for a tracheal resection and anastomosis?
- Stenosis
- Tumor
- Mass
How much of the tracheal is resettable?
20-60% (20% best)
What are the 3 indications for a ventriculocordectomy?
- Voice alteration
- Mass removal
- To enlarge the glottis
After a ventriculocordectomy, for how long should you discourage vocalization and exercise?
6-8 weeks
What is brachycephalic syndrome?
An upper respiratory obstruction in brachycephalic breeds caused by stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, or everted laryngeal saccules.
How might you medically manage a brachycephalic syndrome?
- Corticosteroids
- Weight reduction
- Sedation
- Cooling
- Exercise restriction
- GI drugs
In which 4 breeds is brachycephalic syndrome most common?
- English bulldog
- Boston terrier
- Pug
- Peikenese
What are the 5 conditions most commonly seen with brachycephalic syndrome?
- Laryngeal collapse
- GI ulcers
- Hypoplastic trachea
- Aberent turbinates
- Abnormal tonsils
What is the definition of an elongated soft palate?
Extension of the soft palate > 1-3 mm caudal to the tip of the epiglottis
What is stage 1 laryngeal collapse?
Eversion of laryngeal saccules
What is stage 2 laryngeal collapse?
Median deviation of aryepiglottic folds
What is stage 3 laryngeal collapse?
Median deviation of corniculate process
To what two things is laryngeal collapse secondary?
- Increased negative pressure
2. Increased airway resistance
What is laryngeal paralysis?
Complete or partial failure of the arytenoid cartilages and vocal folds to abduct during inspiration
Is laryngeal paralysis most commonly unilateral OR bilateral?
Bilateral - unless surgically acquired
What is the prognosis of a partial laryngectomy?
Poor - high failure rate, including obstruction and aspiration. 50% die.
What is the prognosis of unilateral lateralization?
Good - 90% improve
What noises are associated with tracheal collapse?
Honk, wheeze, hack
What types of stimuli would exacerbate the clinical signs of a tracheal collapse?
- Exercise
- Eating/drinking
- Palpation
- Infection
- Noxious stimuli (smoke)
- Hot/humid weather
Which breeds are more predisposed to tracheal collapse?
Toy and miniature breeds: Toy poodles, Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians, Maltese, Chihuahuas
