Dorsomedian nasopharyngeal masses with benign appearance in dogs: A retrospective medical review of 95 cases among 198 dogs (2019-2022).

Abstract

Background: Dorsomedian nasopharyngeal masses with benign macroscopic appearance are frequently observed during retrograde nasopharyngoscopy, particularly in brachycephalic breeds, but are not well described.

Hypothesis/objectives: To characterize these masses, assess their frequency, and identify the potential factors associated with their presence.

Animals: Dogs that underwent retrograde nasopharyngoscopy at a private hospital.

Methods: Medical records between November 2019 and October 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs were included if suitable nasopharynx images were available for review. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with these masses.

Results: One-hundred ninety-eight dogs met the inclusion criteria of which 47.9% (95/198) had a dorsal nasopharyngeal mass. The masses measured <10%, 10%-30%, and >30% of the nasopharyngeal height in 64.2% (61/95), 28.4% (27/95), and 7.4% (7/95) of cases, respectively. Univariable analysis identified associations between the presence of a nasopharyngeal mass and several factors: brachycephalic conformation (P < .001), sleep disturbances (P = .04), presence of laryngeal collapse (P = .01), and aberrant caudal turbinates (P = .04). However, according to the multivariable analysis, only the association between the presence of a mass and brachycephalic conformation was significant (odds ratio = 2.3 [1.1; 5.0], P = .03).

Conclusion and clinical importance: Dorsomedian nasopharyngeal masses were common in the studied dog population. These masses are mostly small and have the same appearance across breeds. Brachycephalic conformation appears to be associated with the presence of a mass.