Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Saline Lavage for Sampling of the Canine Nasal Immune Microenvironment
Published on: December 27, 2024
Balloon dilatation of nasopharyngeal stenosis in a dog
Allyson C Berent1, Jennifer Kinns, Chick Weisse
1Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Case Description:
A dog was examined because of a 6-month history of upper airway stridor that began after postoperative regurgitation of gastric contents.
Clinical Findings:
Constant stridor was evident during inspiration and expiration, although it was worse during inspiration. The stridor was no longer evident when the dog's mouth was manually held open. Computed tomography, rhinoscopy, and fluoroscopy were used to confirm a diagnosis of nasopharyngeal stenosis.
Treatment And Outcome:
The dog was anesthetized, and balloon dilatation of the stenosis was performed. Prednisone was prescribed for 4 weeks after the procedure to decrease fibrous tissue formation. Although the dog was initially improved, signs recurred 3.5 weeks later, and balloon dilatation was repeated. This time, however, triamcinolone was injected into the area of stenosis at the end of the dilatation procedure. Two months later, although the dog did not have clinical signs of stridor, a third dilatation procedure was performed because mild stenosis was seen on follow-up computed tomographic images; again, triamcinolone was injected into the area of stenosis at the end of the dilatation procedure. Three and 6 months after the third dilatation procedure, the dog reportedly was clinically normal.
Clinical Relevance:
Findings suggest that balloon dilatation may be an effective treatment for nasopharyngeal stenosis in dogs.
