Small Animal Radiology and Ultrasound: A Diagnostic Atlas and Text

Chapter Two The Thorax 233
Fig. 2-220 A 9-year-old neutered
male Russian Blue cat had acute,
severe dyspnea. Examination of the
lateral view of the cervical area
reveals a tissue-dense mass in the larynx
(arrows). Diagnosis: Squamous
cell carcinoma of vocal fold and
larynx.
Fig. 2-221 A 2-year-old male
Labrador Retriever was evaluated for
a 1.5-year history of progressive respiratory
disorder. There is a large
soft tissue–dense mass in the region
of the laryngeal cartilages (wide
arrows). It appears to involve both
the arytenoid and thyroid cartilages.
A second soft tissue–dense mass is
evident dorsal to the cricoid cartilage
(long arrows). The esophagus caudal
to this mass contains a small bolus of
air. Diagnosis: Granuloma.
L A RY N G E A L S T E N O S I S
Congenital or acquired laryngeal stenosis may deform the larynx and narrow or obliterate
the airway. Acquired stenosis may occur following trauma or laryngeal surgery. The luminal
deformity or irregular cartilaginous calcification may be recognized radiographically.
L A RY N G E A L PA R A LY S I S
Laryngeal paralysis usually does not produce any static radiographic abnormalities. The
shape of the lateral ventricles may become more rounded instead of elliptical or may be
obliterated. Obstruction of the laryngeal airway may result in distention of the pharynx
and caudal migration of the larynx as the animal attempts to inhale. The cervical trachea
may narrow and the thoracic trachea may dilate if resistance to airflow is marked.