Endoscopic examination of the choanae in dogs and cats: 118 cases (1988-1998)

Objective-To determine whether endoscopic examination of the choanae result ed in diagnosis of various diseases in dogs and cats with signs of respirat ory tract disease. Design-Retrospective study. Animals-91 dogs and 27 cats that had endoscopic examination of the choanae. Procedure-Medical records were reviewed for endoscopy findings and results of examination of biopsy or cytologic specimens. Results-34 animals had neoplasia in the choanal region; in 26 animals, diag nosis was confirmed by evaluation of specimens obtained by endoscopy. Five dogs with neoplasia had an erroneous diagnosis of rhinitis made on the basi s of evaluation of specimens obtained by endoscopy. Six dogs and 2 cats had foreign objects in the choanae; 7 foreign objects were removed endoscopica lly, whereas 1 required nasal flushing. Results of endoscopy and biopsy of the choanae provided diagnosis of cryptococcosis and aspergillosis, but did not aid in the diagnosis of pythiosis or nasal mites. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Endoscopic examination of the choanae ma y assist in rapid diagnosis of nasal neoplasms, foreign objects, and certai n infectious organisms.