Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Dogs

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Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Dogs

By: PetPlace Veterinarians

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Section: Veterinary Care In-depth

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Diagnosis In-depth

Diagnostic tests used to determine the cause of nasal discharge will be considered by your veterinarian based on findings from the physical examination, prior test results, or lack of response to empiric therapy. Most tests for evaluation of nasal discharge are best accomplished with sedation or general anesthesia. The evaluation for nasal discharge may include an oral examination, nasal examination, cytology (examination of cells), biopsy, culture, radiography or computerized tomography.

Although routine blood screening rarely identifies the cause of nasal discharge, it can identify concurrent disease and help to assess anesthetic risk.

A platelet count and coagulation screen is important in cases of epistaxis (bleeding from the nostrils).

A nasal swab and microscope examination of the cells (cytology) is helpful in suspected cases of certain cancers.

Specialized blood tests for fungus infections may be appropriate.

Radiography – General anesthesia is usually necessary for optimal positioning. Nasal X-rays can be very difficult to interpret and a second opinion by a veterinary radiologist (a specialist) is helpful in some situations.

Rhinoscopy – is a procedure that consists of looking into the nose (front and back) with a lighted instrument or endoscope. This is performed under anesthesia to visualize and biopsy the nasal cavity as needed.

Culture – Secondary infection is common with most causes of nasal disease. A culture will help determine which organisms are present but one should understand that the normal nasal cavity is colonized by bacteria and sometimes by fungus.

Biopsy – Tissue samples should be submitted for histopathology to assist in the diagnosis. Samples may be obtained by exploratory surgery (usually a last resort), by endoscopic direct biopsy (rhinoscopy) or by blind biopsy (using an endoscopic pinch biopsy forceps without directly seeing the abnormal tissue).

Depending on the situation, your veterinarian might recommend additional diagnostic tests to exclude or diagnose other conditions and to provide optimal medical care for your pet. Some examples include:

Serology – can be used for diagnosis of fungal-based nasal discharge.

Computed tomography (CT) – available at referral institutions and excellent for determining the amount and extent of bony involvement of a nasal tumor.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – available at referral institutions and helpful for determining the amount and extent of bony involvement of a nasal mass.

Surgery – Exploratory surgery can expose the nasal cavity, procure a biopsy, culture and remove foreign bodies.

Treatment In-depth

Optimal therapy of any serious or persistent medical condition depends on establishing the correct diagnosis. There are numerous potential causes of nasal discharge and before any treatment can be recommended, it is important to identify the underlying cause. Initial therapy should be aimed at the underlying cause.

Antibiotics may be used to treat some infectious disease process, but the primary cause, such as tooth root abscess, must be also treated. Nasal discharge that is unresponsive to antibiotics is a common finding with cancer.

Nasal fungal disease may be treated with antifungal therapy.

Polyps are treated with surgery.

Foreign bodies are removed with rhinoscopy, endoscopy or surgery.

Nasal tumors are treated with radiation, +/- surgery or chemotherapy.

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1Brachycephalic Syndrome
Brachycephalic syndrome is a constellation of problems most often seen in bulldogs, pugs and other breeds with pushed in faces. Narrow nasal openings, elongated soft palate and other problems cause noisy,...
Read More
2Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
Reverse sneezing is a common phenomenon in dogs; it may look disturbing – many people fear that their dog is not breathing during these episodes – but it is not a harmful condition and there are no ill...
Read More
3Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Dogs
Rhinitis or sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucosa (lining) of the nasal cavity or sinuses. It is seen in both dogs and cats and there are a variety of causes.
Read More
4Stenotic Nares
Stenotic nares is a common abnormality found most commonly in brachycephalic dogs, which are dogs that have a short wide head. Because of their anatomy, these dogs have an increased resistance to airflow...
Read More

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Dogs

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Dogs

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