Nasal Passage Narrowing in Dogs

Nasal passage narrowing in dogs, or nasopharyngeal stenosis, is a disorder where the part of the nasal passage, called the nasopharynx caudal, up to the choanae (which opens into the nasopharynx) is abnormally narrow. This causes a moderate to severe amount of respiratory “sounds”, such as snoring, gasping, or other sounds that reflect an obstructed flow of air.  

The back of the nasal passage where the trachea and esophagus are located is called the nasopharynx. The air travels back through the nasal passages and goes through this section before entering the trachea. When the airflow isn’t adequate due to the narrow passages, the dog suffers due to the obstruction.

Nasopharyngeal stenosis is a treatable condition where the nasal passages of the dog are abnormally narrow, thus causing respiratory symptoms due to the air obstruction.

There are many different symptoms of this disorder, and some of them may be mistaken for another condition. It is important to have the veterinarian take a closer look if your dog has any of the following symptoms. Symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Discharge of the nasal cavity
• Breathing with mouth opened
• Snoring
• Loud breathing
• Labored breathing

Types

There are other conditions that are differential diagnoses for nasopharyngeal stenosis. Different types of disorders that have the same types of symptoms include:

• Nasal growth, polyp, or tumor
• Allergies
• Rhinitis
• Foreign body in nasal passages

There are several different causes of this treatable condition. Causes can include:

• Chronic sinusitis
• Allergens and irritants
• Obstruction in the nasal passages or cavity
• Chronic inflammation of nasal passages
• Excess tissue after an infection
• Inflammation after vomiting 
• Trauma

If your dog is exhibiting any symptoms, it is important to make an appointment with your medical professional. The veterinarian will begin with questions about the history of the dog’s condition, such as any previous ailments and how long the current symptoms have been prevalent. 

Tests will be performed, such as a complete blood count, a urinalysis, and a biochemistry profile. These are basic tests that can give the veterinarian a great deal of information about the dog’s bodily systems and if they are working properly. The veterinarian will need to do several types of imaging to take a closer look at the nasal area. CT scans and radiography will help the vet make a diagnosis of narrowing of the nasal passage. A catheter may also be used, or a bronchoscope, to look internally with good results.

In the majority of the cases of narrowing of nasal passages in dogs, surgery is really the best option. The treatment process includes:

Balloon Dilation

This is a minimally invasive procedure, and it is quite effective. When this is performed, a stent is placed in the narrow opening, or stenotic area, to allow air to flow more freely. General anesthesia is required for this procedure.

Antibiotics

Once the surgery is complete, antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent infection from occurring. The amount of antibiotics depends on the veterinarian’s decision, but it is important to give them to your dog from start to finish.

Dogs that have the balloon dilation successfully completed have a great prognosis with nasopharyngeal stenosis. After the dog has the stent put in, there will be specific instructions to follow for after care and also a list of symptoms in which to keep a watchful eye. 

The veterinarian will give you an antibiotic to administer to your canine, and he may be in a moderate amount of pain after the surgery. It is important to give your dog the correct dosage at the same time each day, and finish all of the medication. The medical professional may also prescribe pain relievers for your pet for a few days until he feels like himself again. Even after a successful procedure of balloon dilation, your canine may have a recurrence and may even need another procedure. This is not uncommon.