Regional Veterinary Surgery

Pathogenesis/ Etiology

PATHOGENESIS AND ETIOLOGY

• The cause of air accumulation within the pouch is not known but it seems that the air apparently enters the pouches during expiration or when the animal is swallowing.
• In some cases infection is present in the affected pouch and the distension may be due to the formation of gas.
• It has also been proposed that an abnormal mucosal flap at the pharyngeal orifice functions as a unidirectional valve trapping air or fluid within the pouch.