Inflammatory polyps arising from the middle ear or Eustachian tube cause progressive respiratory and neurological signs in cats, typically requiring surgical removal.
Nasopharyngeal polyps cause progressive discomfort - noisy, labored breathing, difficulty swallowing, and in cases with middle ear involvement, distressing vestibular dysfunction. Affected cats struggle with normal activities including eating and sleeping. Surgical removal provides rapid relief, and most cats recover well with appropriate postoperative care. Recurrence after traction avulsion is a significant welfare concern; VBO provides more durable resolution. Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical management prevents the progressive deterioration that occurs with untreated polyps.