What is Nasal Passage Narrowing?
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.
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Symptoms of Nasal Passage Narrowing in Dogs
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
Causes of Nasal Passage Narrowing in Dogs
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
Diagnosis of Nasal Passage Narrowing in Dogs
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.
Treatment of Nasal Passage Narrowing in Dogs
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.
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Recovery of Nasal Passage Narrowing in Dogs
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.
Nasal Passage Narrowing Average Cost
From 71 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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Nasal Passage Narrowing Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Yorkshire Terrier
Eleven Years
22 found this helpful
22 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
Whenever I look at my dogs nose it looks like on of his nasal is closed and he also has some dots on his nose
Jan. 9, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
22 Recommendations
Hello, this can be an upper respiratory infection or mass in his nose. If he is having trouble breathing or any other issues, it would be best to see your vet. They can take a small sample from their nose and see if this is an infection or cancerous growth.
Jan. 9, 2021
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Australian Shepherd
Gabby
9 Months
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Trouble Breathing Excessive Snot
When you have the stint placed in the nose what holds it in place? We have had 2 balloon dilation and they helped for a couple of days the vet that did it recommended the stint placement but our regular vet does not because she said that the stint might come out
May 18, 2018
11 Recommendations
Stent placement is done by inserting and placing the stent in the desired position then expanding the stent to open the passage and is locked into place; the stent being expanded will hold it into place. From your description, it sounds like stent placement would be a good fit after another balloon dilation. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 19, 2018
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Australian Shepherd
Gabby
9 Months
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Trouble Breathing, Excessive Snot
Our 8 month old Australian shepherd has been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal stenosis caused by aspriating during her spay surgery we have had 2 of the balloon dilations that helped for a couple of days the vet that did it recommended the stint placement but our regular vet does not because she said that the stint might come out i dont understand why it would but is that possible and what would be your recommendation because we need to do something she is getting worse and i know its hard on her.
Thank you
Gabbys mom
May 18, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
If Gabby is having trouble breathing, the stent may be the only option for her. It might be a good idea to get the opinion of a specialist since your two veterinarians do not agree on the course of treatment. Specialists are often able to help shed light on a situation, and a surgeon may have an idea as to alternate therapies for her. I hope that everything goes well for her.
May 18, 2018
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Daschund
Stretch
14 Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Weight Loss
Sneezing
Fatigue
Difficulty Breathing Through Nose
I have a 14 year old dachshund that started developing trouble breathing through his nose he has a snoring sound when he inhales. He struggles so hard to breathe through his nose all this started a very short time ago after dealing with a chronic yeast infection of the skin that was repeatedly being treated with antibiotics and steroids never an antifungal. I have went to 3 different vets. They treated him for an upper resp infection at the first start of the breathing issue with no relief. Some days he seems to do better than others but mostly he just seems pitiful. You can tell he doesn't feel good. We have been discussing having him put to sleep but are reluctant because we love him so much and don't want to give up on him to soon if something can be done I just feel that the vets around here that I have taken him to are not taking it as serious as they should that they only try a quick fix and guess work. He has lost some weight and his breathe is really bad they sai it could be a mass but could not say for sure. X-ray showed some lung infiltrate and she said there was a suspicious area under his jawline.
Sept. 2, 2017
10 Recommendations
There are various conditions which may affect a dog’s breathing, especially as they age which may include infection, cancer, allergies, inflammation, polyps, laryngeal disorders among other causes. Stretch (nice name for a Dachshund) would need a thorough examination in order to determine an underlying cause; at this point in his life, extensive testing may be unrewarding. It is important to ensure that he isn’t struggling to breathe and his body has an adequate amount of oxygen; if Stretch has breathing difficulties, it is starting to impact his overall welfare and no definitive cause has been determined it may be a case of putting him to sleep. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Sept. 2, 2017
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Nasal Passage Narrowing Average Cost
From 71 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
