Archive Case #143: Feline Nasopharyngeal Polyp

Clinical Clues

1. A young cat is examined for stertorous breathing and chronic unilateral nasal discharge.
2. The owner has also noticed intermittent gagging and noisy swallowing.
3. One ear has shown signs of irritation and mild head tilt.
4. Sedated oral examination reveals a smooth pale mass extending from the nasopharynx.
5. The lesion is inflammatory rather than malignant in appearance.
6. Nasopharyngeal polyps commonly cause upper airway noise and middle ear signs in young cats.

Diagnosis

Feline Nasopharyngeal Polyp

This case is most consistent with Feline Nasopharyngeal Polyp because the cat has upper airway noise, nasal discharge, and a visible benign inflammatory mass in the nasopharynx. The most important clues are the young age and mixed nasal-ear signs, which make a simple rhinitis less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.