Abstract
Feline aural inflammatory polyps are non-neoplastic masses in the tympanic cavity or the Eustachian tube that can be observed in the ear canal of the cat and are a common cause of otitis externa and otitis media in young animals, with or without respiratory signs depending on the direction of polyp growth. Most of the polyps occurring in cats are unilateral. Otoscopy or video-otoscopy is necessary for its diagnosis, and treatment consists of the mechanical removal of the polyp and subsequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs. The aim of this paper was to report a case of bilateral inflammatory aural polyps in a kitten treated successfully by the minimally invasive technique of per-endoscopic trans-tympanic traction. A seven-month-old female mixed-breed cat, presenting bilateral ear discharge, was submitted to endoscopic examination of both ears and polypoid masses observed in each horizontal canal. Both polyps were grasped and pulled with a polypectomy snare through the otoendoscope. The patient received dexamethasone immediately after the procedure and a long-term oral corticosteroid protocol was established post-avulsion. It was concluded that otoendoscopy allowed an accurate and quick diagnosis, that the mass removal by per-endoscopic trans-tympanic traction was an effective treatment with no complications, and that bilateral occurrences could indicate a differential diagnosis, especially in young cats.
Highlights
Feline inflammatory polyps are characterized as non-neoplastic masses that can be observed in the ear canal or nasopharynx (MILLER; GRIFFIN; CAMPBELL, 2012; GRECI; MORTELLARO, 2016)
Cats can be more affected than dogs (MILLER; GRIFFIN; CAMPBELL, 2012) and the condition is more observed in young cats (NUTTALL, 2020) with an average age of onset reported as 5.1 years, varying from 0.25–18 years (VEIR et al, 2002)
Corroborating with predisposition and symptoms already described in previous studies, the patient was a young feline presenting bilateral otitis externa (MILLER; GRIFFIN; CAMPBELL, 2012; GRECI; VERNIA; MORTELLARO, 2014; NUTTALL, 2020); in other words, fitting the 50% of cases that do not show neurological symptoms (VEIR et al, 2002)
Summary
Feline inflammatory polyps are characterized as non-neoplastic masses that can be observed in the ear canal or nasopharynx (MILLER; GRIFFIN; CAMPBELL, 2012; GRECI; MORTELLARO, 2016). Otitis media and/or externa may be present and clinical signs such as otic discharge, headshaking and aural pruritus are observed (MILLER; GRIFFIN; CAMPBELL, 2012; GRECI; VERNIA; MORTELLARO, 2014; NUTTALL, 2020). Computed tomography (CT) allows an accurate and detailed evaluation of all segments of the ear (external, middle, and internal parts) and nasopharynx (ANDERS et al, 2008; GRECI; MORTELLARO, 2016; JANSSENS; HAAGSMAN; TER HAAR, 2017; BOTELHO, 2019) Because of these and other benefits, CT is currently considered a better option for imaging examination, improving the diagnosis, mainly of challenging clinical conditions (KUDNIG, 2002; MACPHAIL et al., 2007; GRECI; MORTELLARO, 2016; HOPPERS; MAY; FRANK, 2020). The tympanic membranes are intact and normal when assessed by video-otoscopy
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