Diagnostic approach and transpalatal extraction of a chronic nasopharyngeal ballistic foreign body in a cat

Abstract A 4‐year‐old, female, neutered, domestic shorthair cat was referred for treatment of acute worsening of chronic upper respiratory signs after radiographic diagnosis of a metallic foreign body in the nasopharynx before referral. Computed tomography confirmed the presence of a metallic airgun pellet in the nasopharynx and shrapnel in the nasal bone and nasal cavity. The airgun pellet was successfully removed via a midline staphylotomy with no complications. The owner recalled a wound to the left of the nasal cavity that had been noticed approximately 2 years prior and had healed before any clinical signs developed. This case report describes the surgical management and long‐term outcome of a nasopharyngeal ballistic foreign body in a cat.