Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Cats

Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Cats

By: Dr. Bari Spielman

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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