Vocal fold granulomas in six brachycephalic dogs: clinical, macroscopical and histological features.

Vocal cord granulomas are rarely observed in brachycephalic breeds but often reported in humans as contact granulomas. Six French bulldogs were included in this retrospective descriptive study. Endoscopic laryngeal examinations were performed on all dogs under general anaesthesia. Vocal cord lesions were exclusively unilateral, exophytic, approximately 3-mm wide ulcerated mucosal nodules, arising from the vocal cord. Histopathological examination mainly revealed chronic inflammatory changes on the laryngeal epithelium which were consistent with laryngeal granulomas described in humans, except for the location: vocal cord in dogs versus vocal process in humans. In humans, granulomas result from chronic physical or chemical insult to laryngeal mucosa (chronic cough or throat clearing, vocal abuse, gastro-esophageal reflux). In brachycephalic breeds, chronic inspiratory efforts and air turbulences and gastro-esophageal reflux are suspected to result in chronic laryngeal inflammation.

Laryngeal Granuloma due to Leishmania spp. Infection in a Dog.

A French bulldog with a previous history of leishmaniosis was presented due to respiratory distress associated with a laryngeal mass. The mass was excised and cytological and histopathological examination revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation with Leishmania spp. amastigotes. After surgery, the respiratory condition resolved; however, 3 months later the dog developed clinicopathological signs of leishmaniosis, which improved with systemic treatment. This case shows an atypical presentation of leishmaniosis with a focal tumour-like mass in the vocal folds as the only clinical sign.