How I Diagnose & Treat Upper Airway Obstruction

Oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and laryngeal examination are critical parts of the evaluation of the patient with suspected upper airway obstruction. Knowledge of anatomy and understanding of appropriate sedation or anesthetic protocols are crucial for thorough assessment. The most common indications for upper airway evaluation in small animal veterinary medicine include cats with suspected nasopharyngeal polyps and dogs suspected to have brachycephalic airway syndrome or laryngeal paralysis. Often the upper airway is evaluated as an animal is being induced for general anesthesia. The nasopharynx and most of the laryngeal anatomy can be examined once an animal is intubated, however laryngeal function cannot be determined ...