Section: Overview
Rhinitis or sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucosa (lining) of the nasal cavity or sinuses. It is seen in cats of all ages and breeds but the young cats tend to be more prone to the infectious causes. Older cats tend to develop rhinitis due to tumors or dental disease and brachycephalic (short-nosed) cats are more prone to chronic viral causes.
General Causes
Viral
Fungal
Bacteria
Parasites
Facial trauma
Foreign body
Allergic/irritant
Immune mediated (lymphocytic plasmacytic)
Dental disease
Oronasal fistula (communication between the mouth and nose)
Nasal/nasopharyngeal polyp
Cancer
What to Watch For
Sneezing
Nasal discharge
Bleeding from the nose
Pawing at the nose
Loss of appetite
Ocular discharge
Facial deformity
Ulceration or depigmentation (losing the dark color) around the nostrils
Halitosis (bad breath)
Diagnosis
Baseline tests, to include a complete blood count, biochemical profile and urinalysis should be performed on any ill animal. Additional tests may include:
Fungal serology (blood tests)
Skull, nasal, dental and chest radiographs (X-rays)
Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Coagulation (clotting) profiles
Bacterial nasal cultures
Cytology
Rhinoscopy and biopsy
Rhinotomy (surgical exploration of the nose) and biopsy
Treatment
Removal or treatment of the underlying cause if one is found
Humidification of the environment
Keeping the external nares clean and dry
Antibiotics, antifungal therapy or parasiticides
Antiinflammatory therapy
Surgery
Home Care and Prevention
Administer all medication as directed by your veterinarian. Return for follow up examinations and evaluations as directed.
Removing chronically infected cats from the cattery can help prevent the spread of rhinitis. Preventing exposure to bird feces can reduce the risk for aspergillosis.
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