The course of the nasolacrimal duct in brachycephalic cats

Casts of the nasolacrimal duct system were obtained from 50 euthanised cats including brachy-, meso- and dolichocephalic breeds. The course of the nasolacrimal duct, which was assessed radiographically and gross-anatomically, was strongly related to the shape of the skull. In meso- and dolichocephalic cats the nasolacrimal duct formed a dorsally opened arch with the descending part being directed rostroventrally. The main part of the duct passed the nasal cavity in a rather horizontal course parallel to the hard palate and was located ventrally to the lacrimal foramen. However, foreshortening of the face was associated with a right-angled or even acute-angled alignment of the duct. In higher degrees of brachycephaly the main part of the duct ascended beyond the level of the lacrimal foramen and passed the nasal cavity dorsal to the level of the lacrimal foramen. This specific course of the nasolacrimal duct in brachycephalic cats was consistent with a steeper alignment and attachment of the maxilloturbinate. Accessory orifices of the nasolacrimal duct opening into the nasal cavity had never been observed. The present results strongly suggest that the specific course of the nasolacrimal duct in brachycephalic cats might hinder the drainage of the lacrimal fluid irrespective of the diameter of the lumen of the nasolacrimal duct system.