Rhinostomy as Surgical Treatment of Odontogenic Rhinitis in Three Pet Rabbits

Disease of the upper airways, specifically chronic rhinitis, is common in pet rabbits and is particularly debilitating in this obligate nasal-breathing species. Cases of chronic rhinitis can be mild to severe (empyema of the nasal cavities). Surgical therapy requires a thorough understanding of upper respiratory anatomy of the rabbit and is an option for chronic rhinitis cases nonresponsive to medical therapy. Diagnostic imaging aids in diagnosing the extent of the disease process and guides the surgical approach. The author reports 3 cases of surgical treatment of rabbit patients diagnosed with chronic rhinitis and empyema of the nasal cavities following advanced or end-stage dental disease.     

Neurologic abnormalities as the predominant signs of neoplasia of the nasal cavity in dogs and cats: seven cases (1973-1986)

Neurologic abnormalities were the predominant historic and physical findings in 5 dogs and 2 cats with primary nasal cavity tumors that had invaded the cranial vault. Seizures, behavior changes, and obtundation were the most common signs. Other neurologic signs included paresis, ataxia, circling, visual deficit, and proprioceptive deficit. Although 1 dog and 2 cats had historic findings of mild respiratory disease, no physical abnormalities related to the respiratory tract were found in any of the 7 animals. Nasal cavity neoplasia was suggested by radiographic and computed tomographic studies and was confirmed histopathologically in each case. The nasal tumor types in the 5 dogs were epidermoid carcinoma (n = 1), adenocarcinoma (n = 2), solid carcinoma (n = 1), and anaplastic chondrosarcoma (n = 1). An esthesioneuroblastoma was found in each cat. Radiation therapy was effective for 3 months in palliating the clinical signs in the 2 dogs in which it was used. Neoplasia of the nasal cavity should be considered in the differential diagnosis for animals with neurologic signs suggestive of cerebral disorders.     

Ventral Bulla Osteotomy for Treatment of Otitis Media in a Rabbit

This article describes the management of otitis media in a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that presented with a history of chronic upper respiratory disease. Deep nasal culture yielded a pure growth of Bordetella bronchiseptica susceptible to chloramphenicol. To further evaluate recurring clinical signs after treatment with chloramphenicol, skull radiographs were obtained and showed an increased density in the right tympanic bulla. A ventral bulla osteotomy was performed, and the success of treatment was determined by the resolution of respiratory signs and the absence of increased radiographic density in the right tympanic bulla 5 months postoperatively.     

Surgical and Localized Radiation Therapy for an Intranasal Adenocarcinoma in a Rabbit

An 8-year-old spayed female Netherland Dwarf rabbit presented with a two-month history of dyspnea and snoring. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the head revealed mass lesions in the right nasal cavity. Surgical exenteration of the lesions was performed, and the histopathological diagnosis was an intranasal adenocarcinoma. On the basis of this diagnosis, radiotherapy was planned and consisted of eight fractions of 6 Gy administered once a week. After the completion of radiation therapy, the soft tissue density in the right nasal cavity, as detected by CT, significantly decreased. The prognosis has remained good for over 3 years after treatment. This paper is the first to describe the clinical and pathological features of an intranasal tumor in a rabbit.     

Tritrichomonas foetus and Mycoplasma felis coinfection in the upper respiratory tract of a cat with chronic purulent nasal discharge

A 5‐year‐old indoor male neutered Siamese cat was presented with clinical signs of sneezing and chronic bilateral purulent nasal discharge. Multiple nasal cavity swabs were submitted for bacterial cultures, Mycoplasma felis‐DNA qPCR, and cytology. M felisqPCR was positive and cytomorphologic diagnosis was severe, acute, purulent, rhinitis with intralesional protozoal microorganisms consistent with a Trichomonas spp. Nested PCR (nPCR) confirmed the diagnosis of Tritrichomonas foetus. Systemic therapy with doxycycline for M felis and metronidazole for T foetus was started with remission of clinical signs within 2 weeks; however, symptoms relapsed shortly after therapy was discontinued. This study represents the first documented case of T foetus associated with chronic nasal discharge in a cat, which supports the hypothesis that T foetus can live in the nasal cavity. It is also the first reported case of M felis and T foetus coinfection, which indicates that with mycoplasmal feline upper respiratory tract infections, T foetus should be considered as a coinfecting agent.     

山羊和绵羊地方性鼻内腺癌研究进展

羊地方性鼻内腺癌(ENA)起源于鼻黏膜腺体,是由逆转录病毒ENTV引起的一种接触传染性肿瘤,主要发生于青年及成年山羊和绵羊.临床特征主要表现为持续性鼻漏、呼吸困难、头骨变形.论文重点论述了该病的病原,并结合ENTV的免疫学特性对该病的诊断与防控方法进行了比较,以期为该病的预防及早期诊断提供参考资料.     

ASYMMETRIC NASAL MUCOSAL THICKENING IN HEALTHY DOGS CONSISTENT WITH THE NASAL CYCLE AS DEMONSTRATED BY MRI AND CT

The nasal cycle is a physiological phenomenon that causes regular cyclical congestion and decongestion of the venous sinusoids lining the nasal mucosa. The purpose of this prospective study was to describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomographic (CT) features of the normal nasal cycle in a group of dogs. Five dogs were recruited that met the following criteria: 8 to 15 months old, nonbrachiocephalic breed, no clinical signs or history of nasal disease, and undergoing anesthesia for problems unrelated to the nasal cavity. Nasal MRI (n = 5) and CT scans (pre‐ and postcontrast, n = 5) were acquired. Images were evaluated subjectively by two board‐certified radiologists and objectively by a diagnostic imaging intern using regions of interest placed on each side of the nasal cavity. Findings were compared using Cohen's kappa coefficient and Students t‐test on log‐transformed data. All dogs showed diffuse unilateral mucosal thickening of the rostral part of the nasal cavity in both MRI and CT studies. This mucosal thickening shifted sides between examinations in three dogs. Changes appeared most marked on T2‐weighted scans. No asymmetric mucosal changes were seen in the mucosa of the ethmoturbinates, vomer–nasal septum, hard palate or the frontal sinuses in any patient on MRI or CT. Computed tomographic contrast enhancement of the thickened mucosa was not statistically significant (P‐value < 0.08). In conclusion, the normal nasal cycle may cause asymmetrical mucosal changes in the rostral part of the nasal cavity that mimic MRI and CT characteristics previously reported for inflammatory disease in dogs.     

Lesions induced in the respiratory tract of chickens by encapsulated or nonencapsulated variants of Haemophilus paragallinarum

Lesions induced in chickens by an encapsulated or nonencapsulated strain of Haemophilus paragallinarum were investigated. In terms of lesion severity, major differences in pathogenicity were observed between the encapsulated and nonencapsulated variants. The principal lesion manifested by the encapsulated variant was an acute catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, mainly of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus. Infiltration of a large number of mast cells into the lamina propria of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity was also characteristic. Numerous organisms were found on the cilia or on the surface of the epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa. Chickens with these histologic lesions had severe clinical signs of coryza, and organisms were recovered in high numbers from the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus. In contrast, chickens that were given the nonencapsulated variant did not have clinical signs of coryza, and the organisms were recovered in low numbers from the inoculated sites; slight histopathologic lesions were observed in the nasal mucosa at postinoculation day 1. Mast cell infiltration in the chickens inoculated with the encapsulated variant indicated that mast cells may be responsible for producing clinical signs of coryza via the activation of pharmacologic mediators. Adherence to and colonization of the encapsulated variant on the nasal mucosa seems to be a first step of the infection.     

A COMPARISON OF RADIOGRAPHIC AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN 31 DOGS WITH MALIGNANT NASAL CAVITY TUMORS

Nasal cavity radiographs and CT images from 31 dogs with nasal cavity cancer were compared. All dogs had abnormal clinical signs relating to -nasal cancer and histologic confirmation of malignant nasal cavity neoplasia. No dog had cyto reductive surgery prior to imaging. All radiographic and CT examinations were abnormal. CT was more accurate than radiographs in identifying unilateral versus bilateral nasal cavity disease and tumor extension into adjacent structures such as the cranial cavity, hard palate, and pterygopala-tine fossa. The improved accuracy of CT in these respects was not of benefit in the confirmation of nasal cavity disease because radiographs were abnormal in every instance. However, CT may be useful for more accurate tumor staging, predicting possible treatment-related complications, and planning of surgery and radiation therapy. It was also determined that one dorsally located radiation therapy portal bounded laterally by the medial ocular canthi, as described in previous reports, would not have been adequate for encompassing all abnormal tissue in 28 of the 31 dogs evaluated.     

Upper respiratory infection of lactating sows with transmissible gastroenteritis virus following contact exposure to infected piglets.

Ten breeding sows were left in direct contact with their newborn piglets that had been experimentally infected with transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus. All sows became infected with the virus. The sows developed fever and showed mild clinical signs of the disease for a few days. The sows excreted virus in the nasal secretion, feces, and milk during the acute febrile phase of illness. Virus was isolated from the nasal secretion of one sow as early as 20 hours after contact exposure to the infected piglets. At necropsy, the virus was more frequently isolated from the tissues of the upper respiratory tract than from small intestines; this finding indicated that the TGE coronavirus replicated in the upper respiratory tract and induced an acute respiratory infection in susceptible adult swine. Neutralizing antibody was present in the sera 8 sows after 12 to 36 days during the convalescent period. From these results, we conclude that susceptible sows in direct contact with ill piglets can become infected and by excreting virus can serve as a source of TGE virus for other susceptible pigs on the premises.     

Prevalence of Bordetella bronchiseptica in cats attended by a veterinary practice in the Manawatu region

AIMS: To determine the prevalence by isolation of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in healthy cats and in cats showing signs of upper respiratory tract (URT) disease attended by a veterinary practice in the Manawatu region. METHODS: The nasal cavity and oropharynx of 100 cats of mixed sex and age were swabbed and the swabs cultured for B. bronchiseptica. The population of cats surveyed was that attended by the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and included healthy cats, cats with clinical signs of URT disease, cats with a recent history of URT disease, cats from single cat households, cats from multiple-cat households, and cats from a colony. RESULTS: Bordetella bronchiseptica was recovered from 7 cats (5 from pharyngeal samples and 2 from nasal samples). Five of the 7 cats appeared to be healthy at the time of sampling, whilst 2 showed clinical signs of URT disease. Six of the 7 culture-positive cats were from a cat colony. The prevalence of B. bronchiseptica in healthy cats sampled was 7% and in cats with URT disease was 8%. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that B. bronchiseptica infection is present, but the prevalence of infection is low, in both healthy cats and in cats with URT disease attended by the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. It is unlikely that B. bronchiseptica infection is a frequent cause of feline URT disease of cats in this region.     

Efficacy of amoxycillin and azithromycin for the empirical treatment of shelter cats with suspected bacterial upper respiratory infections

Thirty-one cats showing clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease with a presumed bacterial component based on clinical signs were administered either amoxycillin or azithromycin to determine which drug protocol was optimal for empirical use. A clinical score was determined and nasal and pharyngeal swabs were collected for bacterial culture, virus isolation and polymerase chain reaction prior to the start of therapy. Cats failing to respond to the initial antibiotic were then administered the other drug. There were no differences in clinical scores between the two groups at the start of therapy. Eleven of 31 cats improved after administration of the first antibiotic, 16 cats were switched to the alternate antibiotic, and four cats were removed from the study for additional supportive treatments. Eight of 27 cats failed to respond to either antibiotic. The chi2 test for outcomes revealed no differences in response to therapy for either antimicrobial.     

Primary neoplasms of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx in the dog. A report of 16 cases from the files of the AFIP

Sixteen cases of primary neoplasms of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx in the dog were reviewed from the files of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP). The mean age of affected dogs was 9.5 years. The presenting clinical signs were epistaxis, nasal discharge or facial swelling. Eleven of the affected dogs were purebred. Three of these were Collies and two German Shepherds. The nasal cavity was involved most often. All neoplasms were malignant (11 carcinomas and five sarcomas), and there was invasion of the adjacent bony structures in most dogs. Tumors were classified according to prominent cell type and degree of differentiation into respiratory epithelial carcinoma (four), adenocarcinoma (one), squamous cell carcinoma (one), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (two), undifferentiated carcinoma (three), chondrosarcoma (three) and undifferentiated sarcoma (two).     

Nasopharyngeal cryptococcosis

Naturally occurring cryptococcosis in five cats, a dog and a koala is described. Involvement of the nasopharynx was documented in all patients, and nasopharyngeal mass lesions accounted for the major presenting complaints in four. Signs referable to nasopharyngeal disease included snoring, stertor, inspiratory dyspnoea and aerophagia. Diagnoses were made by caudal rhinoscopy using a retroverted flexible endoscope, vigorous orthograde flushing with saline, or at necropsy. Concurrent cryptococcal rhinitis was present in all cases, although involvement appeared limited to the caudal nasal cavity in most cases. Typical signs of nasal cavity disease, such as sneezing and nasal discharge, were often absent. Treatment of nasopharyngeal cryptococcosis should include physical dislodgement or debulking of lesion(s) to provide immediate alleviation of upper airway obstruction, followed by systemic antifungal therapy to eliminate residual infection from the nasal cavity. Infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var gattii accounted for a disproportionately large number of these cases.     

Nasopharyngeal disease in cats: 1. Diagnostic investigation

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Nasal discharge, sneezing and upper respiratory noise are frequent presenting signs in feline practice. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: The small nasal cavity of the cat can make visualisation of lesions challenging. In addition, investigations may identify only secondary complications of a disease process, rather than the initial aetiological agent. GLOBAL IMPORTANCE: Nasopharyngeal disease is a worldwide problem. However, fungal disease shows regional variations in prevalence. AUDIENCE: This review, aimed at general practitioners as well as those undertaking more specialist investigations in feline respiratory disease, aims to provide practical guidance on the approach necessary to obtain a diagnosis in cats with nasopharyngeal disease. It should also help to explain why a specific diagnosis may not always be possible. EQUIPMENT: While access to endoscopy and computed tomography is advantageous, extensive information can be gained from equipment readily available in all practices. EVIDENCE BASE: The information presented in this article is based on peer-reviewed publications and the clinical experience of the authors.     

Isolation of adenovirus from lambs with upper respiratory syndrome.

The role of viruses in the etiology of recurrent upper respiratory disease in newly weaned lambs was studied during 1984-1985 at the North Dakota Sheep Experiment Station. Serum samples collected from lambs at weaning, from lambs with signs of respiratory disease, and 3 weeks following the onset of clinical signs were tested for antibodies to ovine adenovirus (OAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza type-3 virus (PI-3). Virus isolation studies were performed on nasal secretions samples taken at the same time. Parainfluenza type-3 was isolated from 1 of 275 lambs tested, and there was 2.5% overall 4-fold increase in antibody titer to PI-3 during the 2-year study. An adenovirus with a different restriction endonuclease digestion pattern from that previously reported adenovirus strains in the United States was isolated from 13 of 275 nasal secretions collected from lambs at the time of weaning. There was a 17.6% overall 4-fold increase in seroconversion to the adenovirus isolated from the lambs with clinical disease.     

Endosurgical treatment of a retrobulbar abscess in a rabbit

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 1-year-old sexually intact female Netherland dwarf rabbit was examined because of a 3-week history of signs of lethargy, decreased appetite, left unilateral exophthalmia, a previous draining sinus from a left maxillary facial abscess, and bilateral nasal discharge. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The rabbit weighed 1.0 kg (2.2 lb) and had a body condition score of 1.5/5. Physical examination revealed generalized muscle atrophy, bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, and severe left-sided exophthalmia. Diagnostic investigation revealed anemia, neutrophilia, severe dental disease, a superficial corneal ulcer of the left eye, and a retrobulbar abscess. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Stomatoscopy-aided dental trimming, tooth removal, and abscess debridement were performed. Antimicrobials were flushed into the tooth abscess cavity, and antimicrobial treatment was initiated on the basis of cytologic findings and results of bacterial culture and susceptibility testing. Two months after the initial surgery, minimal exophthalmia was evident and no further physical, radiographic, or ultrasonographic changes were evident. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Stomatoscopy is a valuable technique that can facilitate diagnosis, treatment, and serial reevaluation of rabbits with dental disease.     

Correlation of rhinoscopic signs of inflammation with histologic findings in nasal biopsy specimens of cats with or without upper respiratory tract disease

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of cumulative rhinoscopic findings of hyperemia, mucus accumulation, and turbinate destruction with the type and severity of inflammatory infiltrates in nasal biopsy specimens of cats with or without upper respiratory tract disease. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Cats with (n = 11) and without (6) upper respiratory tract disease and cats with unknown medical histories (27). PROCEDURES; Lesions of hyperemia, mucus accumulation, and turbinate destruction detected rhinoscopically were each scored (scale, 0 [absent] to 3 [severe]), and a cumulative rhinoscopic score for each nasal cavity was calculated. Fifty biopsy specimens were examined histologically, and inflammatory infiltrates (lymphoplasmacytic or neutrophilic) were graded as absent, mild, moderate, or severe. Cumulative rhinoscopic scores and inflammation grades were compared for each specimen-cavity combination. RESULTS: In cats of known disease status, there was a positive but weak correlation between cumulative rhinoscopic scores and inflammation grades in biopsy specimens. In cats of unknown disease status, there was no similar correlation. Biopsy specimens with minimal inflammation were commonly obtained from nasal cavities with low rhinoscopic scores; specimens with moderate or severe inflammatory changes were frequently obtained from cavities that appeared normal rhinoscopically. Type of inflammatory infiltrates was not correlated with rhinoscopic signs of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The correlation of rhinoscopic findings with inflammation severity in nasal biopsy specimens (determined histologically) was weak or lacking in cats of known and unknown disease status, respectively. Results indicated that rhinoscopy with biopsy provides more complete evaluation of nasal disease than rhinoscopy alone in cats.     

Prevalence of Bordetella bronchiseptica in cats attended by a veterinary practice in the Manawatu region

dAims:To determine the prevalence by isolation of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in healthy cats and in cats showing signs of upper respiratory tract (URT) disease attended by a veterinary practice in the Manawatu region.

dMethods: The nasal cavity and oropharynx of 100 cats of mixed sex and age were swabbed and the swabs cultured for B. bronchiseptica. The population of cats surveyed was that attended by the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and included healthy cats, cats with clinical signs of URT disease, cats with a recent history of URT disease, cats from single cat households, cats from multiple-cat households, and cats from a colony.

dResults: Bordetella bronchiseptica was recovered from 7 cats (5 from pharyngeal samples and 2 from nasal samples). Five of the 7 cats appeared to be healthy at the time of sampling, whilst 2 showed clinical signs of URT disease. Six of the 7 culture-positive cats were from a cat colony.The prevalence of B. bronchiseptica in healthy cats sampled was 7% and in cats with URT disease was 8%.

dConclusion: This study confirms that B. bronchiseptica infection is present, but the prevalence of infection is low, in both healthy cats and in cats with URT disease attended by the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. It is unlikely that B. bronchiseptica infection is a frequent cause of feline URT disease of cats in this region.