Choanal atresia
Also known as: Choanalatresie · Congenital choanal atresia · Choanal stenosis · Angeborener Verschluss der Choanen
Overview
What it is
Choanal atresia is a congenital birth defect affecting the respiratory system, where the back of the nasal passage, known as the choana, is blocked by bone or tissue. This blockage prevents air from flowing normally from the nose to the throat. Because dogs rely heavily on nasal breathing, this obstruction severely impacts their ability to breathe.
How it presents
Symptoms are noticeable immediately after birth in newborn puppies. Affected puppies will show severe difficulty breathing, make loud noises when inhaling, and struggle to nurse because they cannot breathe and swallow at the same time.
Treatment
The condition is treatable through a complex surgical correction or stent placement, which is typically a one-time procedure. Diagnosis requires a CT scan or rhinoscopy, and the treatment cost generally ranges from 2,500 to 6,000.
How it's tested
Rhinoskopie und Computertomographie der Nasenhöhle(CT/Rhinoskopie)
Primary testClinical examDie Diagnose der Choanalatresie erfolgt klinisch mittels Rhinoskopie (Spiegelung der Nasenhöhle) oder einer Computertomographie (CT) zur Darstellung der knöchernen oder membranösen Blockade.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Choanal atresia?
Choanal atresia is a congenital birth defect affecting the respiratory system, where the back of the nasal passage, known as the choana, is blocked by bone or tissue. This blockage prevents air from flowing normally from the nose to the throat. Because dogs rely heavily on nasal breathing, this obstruction severely impacts their ability to breathe.
How is Choanal atresia tested?
Tests currently in our database: Rhinoskopie und Computertomographie der Nasenhöhle.
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.