Minimally invasive treatment of bilateral membranous choanal atresia in a Labrador puppy using transnasal balloon dilatation alone

Vollständiger Abstract

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Abstract A 4‐month‐old Labrador Retriever presented with chronic unilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge and mild stertor since birth. Computed tomography (CT) and endoscopy identified bilateral predominantly membranous choanal atresia, characterised by complete obstruction on the right with reduced definition of the ipsilateral nasal turbinates and partial obstruction on the left. Minimally invasive transnasal balloon dilatation of both choanae was performed under fluoroscopic and endoscopic guidance. At 9‐month follow‐up, all clinical signs had resolved. Repeat CT and retrograde endoscopy confirmed marked improvement in right choanal patency and visualisation of the right nasal turbinates, with only mild residual narrowing, while a persistent partially obstructive membrane remained on the left. This case adds to the limited canine choanal atresia literature by documenting bilateral membranous atresia in a Labrador Retriever, with associated turbinate changes, and demonstrates that identical transnasal balloon dilatation of each choana can result in discordant long‐term anatomical outcomes despite excellent overall clinical resolution.