Thickening of the Cervical and Thoracic Tracheal Wall

FEATURED WINNER – Non-equine category

Thickening of the Cervical and Thoracic Tracheal Wall
4-year-old Nigerian Dwarf doe
University of Minnesota
Dr. Jenna Young

This submission exemplified the expanding applications of Asto CT technology beyond equine medicine, showcasing its diagnostic value in non-equine species and complex airway evaluation.

Case Summary

A 4-year-old Nigerian Dwarf doe was presented on an emergency basis for acute respiratory distress. Prior thoracic radiographs and ultrasound performed by the referring veterinarian revealed no significant abnormalities. On physical examination, the doe exhibited marked inspiratory stridor. Upper airway endoscopy identified irregular, proliferative tissue adhered to the tracheal wall extending from the mid trachea to the carina. The tissue was vascular and friable, occupying up to one-third of the tracheal lumen in certain regions.

Diagnosis

Advanced imaging demonstrated multifocal, nodular, eccentric thickening of the cervical and thoracic tracheal walls, predominantly involving the mucosa with extension along the adventitia, most severe at the level of C4. Secondary tracheal deformation and luminal narrowing were present, with up to 50% obstruction in affected areas, correlating with the patient’s clinical signs. Differential diagnoses included inflammatory or infectious processes such as granulomatous disease (parasitic, eosinophilic, abscessation, or papillomatosis) as well as neoplastic conditions including lymphoma or carcinoma.