Laryngeal Oedema

Laryngeal oedema in a cat (Image sourced from Bristol Biomed Image Archive with permission)

In Horses:
Can quickly become a medical emergency because of obstruction to airflow
Causes of laryngeal oedema include:
- Mucosal irritants
- Trauma
- Acute respiratory infections
- Anaphylaxis or localised hypersensitivity responses
= in 'gut oedema' in pigs
Unknown aetiology in feedlot cattle - also tracheal oedema
Seen in hot weather and with exercise
May be due to trauma, tracheal compression, inhaled dust and toxins, acute inflammation (acute interstitial pneumonia)
In horses wit purpura haemorrhagica
In cats with systemic anaphylaxis
Gross: thickened laryngeal mucosa, gelatinous appearance

Test yourself with the Larynx Pathology Flashcards