Association of magnetic resonance imaging findings and histologic diagnosis in dogs with nasal disease: 78 cases (2001-2004)

OBJECTIVE-To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features correlated with histologic diagnosis in dogs with nasal disease. DESIGN-Retrospective case series. ANIMALS-78 Dogs undergoing MRI for evaluation of nasal disease. PROCEDURES-Medical records and MRI reports of dogs were reviewed to identify MRI features associated with histologic diagnosis. Features evaluated were presence of a mass effect, frontal sinus involvement, sphenoid sinus involvement, maxillary recess involvement, nasopharyngeal infiltration by soft tissue, nasal turbinate destruction, vomer bone lysis, paranasal bone destruction, cribriform plate erosion, and lesion extent (ie, unilateral vs bilateral). RESULTS-33 Dogs had neoplastic disease, 38 had inflammatory rhinitis, and 7 had fungal rhinitis. Lesion extent was not significantly associated with histologic diagnosis. Absence of a mass effect was significantly associated with inflammatory disease. However, presence of a mass was not specific for neoplasia. In dogs with evidence of a mass on magnetic resonance (MR) images, nasal turbinate destruction, frontal sinus invasion, and maxillary recess invasion were not useful in distinguishing neoplastic from nonneoplastic disease, but cribriform plate erosion, vomer bone lysis, paranasal bone destruction, sphenoid sinus invasion, and nasopharyngeal invasion were. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Results suggested that in dogs with nasal disease, the lack of a mass effect on MR images was significantly associated with inflammatory disease. In dogs with a mass effect on MR images, vomer bone lysis, cribriform plate erosion, paranasal bone destruction, sphenoid sinus invasion by a mass, and nasopharyngeal invasion by a mass were significantly associated with a diagnosis of neoplasia.     

Nasal polyps in dogs: five cases (2005 to 2011)

This series describes five dogs with nasal polyps diagnosed between 2000 and 2011. Clinical signs included reverse sneezing, nasal discharge, epistaxsis, and stertor when breathing. Computerised tomographic findings included soft tissue mass, turbinate destruction, extension through the bony nasal septum and partial lysis of bones surrounding the nasal cavity. Three dogs were treated by dorsal rhinotomy, one dog was treated by ventral rhinotomy, and in one dog the polyp tissue was removed during nasal flushing. Three dogs have no clinical signs of nasal disease. One dog had confirmed recurrence of nasal polyps and was successfully treated with megavoltage radiation. One dog had recurrent nasal disease eight months after dorsal rhinotomy. Nasal polyps are a possible cause of nasal disease in dogs with nasal discharge, epistaxsis and stertor, and a differential diagnosis for dogs with extensive soft tissue lesions of the nasal cavities on computerised tomography. Nasal polyps can be treated successfully by rhinotomy in some cases but may reoccur.     

Radiographic signs in cats with nasal disease

Radiographic signs in 64 cats that had radiography as part of the diagnostic work-up for suspected nasal disease were reviewed in a blinded fashion. Final diagnoses in these cats were rhinitis in 27, primary nasal neoplasia in 21 and non-nasal disease in 16. The signs with highest predictive value for nasal neoplasia were displacement of midline structures (73%), unilateral generalised soft tissue opacity (70%), unilateral generalised loss of turbinate detail (69%) and evidence of bone invasion (64%). The only radiographic finding that occurred more frequently in cats with rhinitis was a nasal cavity within normal limits, and the predictive value of this sign was only 38%. Radiographic signs in cats with nasal neoplasia are similar to those reported in dogs, whereas the radiographic signs in cats with rhinitis are variable and non-specific, and may be absent.     

Computed tomography as an aid in the diagnosis of chronic nasal disease in dogs

OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of chronic nasal disease in dogs. METHODS: A retrospective study of 85 dogs with chronic nasal discharge due to primary nasal disease, which had undergone nasal CT and biopsy, was carried out. Medical records were reviewed for signalment, clinical signs, CT findings, endoscopic findings and histopathology. The results obtained via CT were correlated with nasal histopathology and gross anatomical observations were recorded at the time of rhinoscopy. RESULTS: Neoplasia was diagnosed in 37 dogs for which CT typically revealed a soft tissue density associated with extensive turbinate destruction. Inflammatory rhinitis was diagnosed in 40 dogs. CT disclosed either normal turbinate structures or mild to moderate turbinate destruction, with or without the presence of soft tissue densities (mucopus) within the nasal passages. Fungal rhinitis was diagnosed in seven dogs for which CT disclosed extensive turbinate destruction with hyperlucency of the nasal passages. One dog had normal CT and histopathology findings. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CT greatly enhanced the ability to diagnose chronic nasal disease in dogs, providing detailed Information regarding the extent of the disease, accurate discrimination of neoplastic versus non-neoplastic diseases, and identification of areas of the nose to examine rhinoscopically and suspicious regions to target for biopsy.     

Comparison of serologic evaluation via agar gel immunodiffusion and fungal culture of tissue for diagnosis of nasal aspergillosis in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensitivity and specificity of serologic evaluation and fungal culture of tissue for diagnosis of nasal aspergillosis in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 58 dogs with nasal discharge and 26 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs with nasal discharge were anesthetized and underwent computed tomography and rhinoscopy; nasal tissues were collected for histologic examination and fungal culture. Sera were assessed for antibodies against Aspergillus spp (healthy dog sera were used as negative control specimens). Nasal aspergillosis was diagnosed in dogs that had at least 2 of the following findings: computed tomographic characteristics consistent with aspergillosis, fungal plaques detected during rhinoscopy, and histologically detectable fungal hyphae in nasal tissue. Histologic characteristics of malignancy were diagnostic for neoplasia. Without evidence of neoplasia or fungal disease, nonfungal rhinitis was diagnosed. RESULTS: Among the 58 dogs, 21 had nasal aspergillosis, 25 had nonfungal rhinitis, and 12 had nasal neoplasia. Fourteen aspergillosis-affected dogs and 1 dog with nonfungal rhinitis had serum antibodies against Aspergillus spp. Fungal culture results were positive for Aspergillus spp only for 17 dogs with aspergillosis. With regard to aspergillosis diagnosis, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 67%, 98%, 93%, and 84%, respectively, for serum anti-Aspergillus antibody determination and 81%, 100%, 100%, and 90%, respectively, for fungal culture. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that seropositivity for Aspergillus spp and identification of Aspergillus spp in cultures of nasal tissue are highly suggestive of nasal aspergillosis in dogs; however, negative test results do not rule out nasal aspergillosis.     

DISTINGUISHING RHINITIS AND NASAL NEOPLASIA BY RADIOGRAPHY

To compare the incidence of radiographic signs in dogs with rhinitis and primary nasal neoplasia and to assess the performance of observers for distinguishing these conditions, the nasal radiographs of 72 dogs with either rhinitis (n = 42) or primary nasal neoplasia (n = 30) were examined by two independent observers using custom-designed forms to record their interpretations. Rhinitis was associated with a higher incidence of focal or multifocal lesions, localised soft tissue opacities, lucent foci, and a lack of frontal sinus involvement. Neoplasia was associated with soft tissue opacities and loss of turbinate detail that affected the entire ipsilateral nasal cavity, signs of invasion of the bones surrounding the nasal cavity, and soft tissue/fluid opacities within the ipsilateral frontal sinus. The signs with the highest positive predictive value (PPV) for rhinitis were absence of frontal sinus lesions and lucent foci in nasal cavity (PPV of each 82%), and invasion of surrounding bones for neoplasia (PPV 88%). There were no significant differences in the position of the lesion within the nasal cavity, incidence of unilateral versus bilateral lesions, calcified lesions, or absence of teeth. There was moderate agreement between observers about the diagnosis (kappa 0.59). Areas (SE) under ROC curves were 0.94 (0.03) and 0.96 (0.03) for observers A and B, respectively (not significantly different; P = 0.68). These results indicate a high accuracy for radiologists examining dogs with nasal diseases. Differentiation of rhinitis and nasal neoplasia should be based on finding combinations of radiologic signs that together have a high PPV. Differences in interpretation between experienced observers in this study suggest that certain signs are potential sources of error.     

Results of rhinoscopy alone or in conjunction with sinuscopy in dogs with aspergillosis: 46 cases (2001-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine results of diagnostic testing, including detection of nasal or frontal sinus fungal plaques, in dogs with nasal aspergillosis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 46 dogs with nasal aspergillosis. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for information on computed tomographic findings; rhinoscopic findings, including whether fungal plaques were seen in the nasal cavity; results of frontal sinus trephination and sinuscopy, including whether fungal plaques were seen in the frontal sinus; and results of histologic examination of biopsy specimens. RESULTS: In 38 (83%) dogs, fungal plaques were seen in the nasal cavity during rhinoscopy, whereas in the remaining 8 (17%), fungal plaques were not seen in the nasal cavity but were seen in the frontal sinus. Duration of clinical signs, proportions of dogs in which the referring veterinarian had performed a nasal examination prior to referral, proportions of dogs with computed tomographic evidence of nasal cavity cavitation or sinus involvement, and proportions of dogs with rhinoscopic evidence of destructive rhinitis were not significantly different between dogs with nasal fungal plaques and dogs with fungal plaques only in the frontal sinus. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results confirm that frontal sinus involvement is common in dogs with nasal aspergillosis and suggest that frontal sinus trephination and sinuscopy may aid in the diagnosis of aspergillosis in dogs, particularly dogs with rhinoscopic evidence of destructive rhinitis and computed tomographic evidence of sinus involvement that lack detectable fungal plaques in the nasal cavity.     

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.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF FUNGAL RHINITIS AND SINUSITIS IN CATS

The computed tomographic (CT) findings of fungal rhinitis/sinusitis in cats were characterized. The CT images of 10 cats ranging in age from 7 to 13 years were examined. The mean age was 10.8 years and all were neutered males. Nasal aspergillosis was diagnosed in five cats, cryptococcosis in three cats, hyalohyphomycosis in one cat, and trichosporonosis in one cat. Bilateral disease was present in eight cats, seven had abnormal soft tissue attenuation in two-thirds of the nasal cavity, and six had turbinate lysis. Seven cats had also lysis of the hard palate, nasal septum, or frontal bone. One cat had lysis of the cribriform plate. Five of the nine cats whose lymph nodes were imaged had lymph node enlargement. There was contrast medium enhancement in the nasal cavity in all cats, with either a primarily peripheral rim or heterogeneous pattern. There appears to be an overlap of clinical signs, age, and CT features of cats with nasal neoplasia and those with fungal rhinitis/sinusitis.     

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN DOGS WITH CHRONIC NASAL DISEASE

Computed tomographic (CT) studies of 80 dogs with chronic nasal disease (nasal neoplasia (n = 19), nasal aspergillosis (n = 46), nonspecific rhinitis (n = 11), and foreign body rhinitis (n = 4)) were reviewed retrospectively by two independent observers. Each observer filled out a custom-designed list to record his or her interpretation of the CT signs and selected a diagnosis. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for the diagnosis of each disease. The agreement between observers was evaluated. The CT signs corresponded to those previously described in the literature. CT had an accuracy greater than 90% for each observer in all disease processes. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were greater than 80% in all dogs with the exception of the PPV of foreign body rhinitis (80% for observer A and 44% for observer B). There was a substantial, to almost perfect, agreement between the two observers regarding the CT signs and diagnosis. This study indicates a high accuracy of CT for diagnosis of dogs with chronic nasal disease. The differentiation between nasal aspergillosis restricted to the nasal passages and foreign body rhinitis may be difficult when the foreign body is not visible.     

Prevalence, clinical features, and causes of epistaxis in dogs: 176 cases (1996-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence, clinical features, and causes of epistaxis in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 176 dogs with epistaxis. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for information related to signalment, clinical features, diagnosis, and outcome. RESULTS: 132 (75%) dogs were initially examined by the hospital's emergency service; prevalence of epistaxis was 0.3%. Dogs with epistaxis were more likely to be old (> or = 6 years), male, and large (> or = 26 kg [58.5 lb]) than were dogs in a reference population. In 109 (62%) dogs with epistaxis, an underlying cause was identified; 115 underlying disorders were identified, with 90 classified as local and 25 classified as systemic. Local causes of epistaxis included nasal neoplasia (n = 35), trauma (33), idiopathic rhinitis (20), and periapical abscess (2). Systemic causes included thrombocytopenia (12), thrombocytopathia (7), coagulopathy (3), hypertension (2), and vasculitis (1). Dogs with local causes were more likely to have unilateral than bilateral epistaxis, but 11 of 21 (52%) dogs with systemic disorders also had unilateral epistaxis. Dogs with systemic disorders were more likely to have clinical signs of systemic disease. Duration of epistaxis (acute vs chronic), severity, and duration of hospitalization were similar for dogs with local versus systemic disorders. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that epistaxis was a common disorder in dogs and frequently regarded as an emergency. Local causes of epistaxis were predominant, but clinical features traditionally thought to be helpful in distinguishing local versus systemic causes could not be reliably used for this purpose.     

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.     

Failure to identify an association between serologic or molecular evidence of Bartonella infection and idiopathic rhinitis in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether infection with or exposure to Bartonella spp was associated with idiopathic rhinitis in dogs. DESIGN: Case-control study. ANIMALS: 44 dogs with idiopathic nasal discharge and 63 age- and weight-matched control dogs without nasal discharge and no clinical signs of bartonellosis. Procedures-Serum was tested for antibodies against Bartonella henselae and Bartonella vinsonii subsp berkhoffii with indirect fluorescent antibody assays. Blood was tested for Bartonella DNA with a PCR assay. RESULTS: Results of the antibody and PCR assays were negative for all 44 dogs with idiopathic nasal discharge. One control dog had antibodies against B henselae; a second control dog had positive PCR assay results. We did not detect a significant association between assay results and group designation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present study failed to confirm an association between idiopathic rhinitis and exposure to or infection with Bartonella spp in dogs. Findings do not rule out the possibility that Bartonella infection may cause nasal discharge in some dogs, but the failure to find any evidence of exposure to or infection with Bartonella spp in dogs with idiopathic nasal discharge suggested that Bartonella infection was not a common cause of the disease.     

Canine nasal septum deviation can be a normal variation and correlates with increasing skull indices

Nasal septal deviation has been studied in relation to nasal pathology and mass effect in dogs. The purpose of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study was to compare the prevalence of nasal septal deviation in dogs with rhinitis, neoplasia, and those without nasal pathology based on the facial index, skull index, and cranial index. Computed tomographic studies of the nasal cavities of dogs performed over a 5‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. This study had 233 dogs meeting the inclusion criteria with 135 dogs with no nasal pathology, 63 dogs with nasal neoplasia, and 35 dogs with rhinitis. The prevalence of nasal septal deviation, the angle, maximum distance, and longitudinal extent of deviation were recorded, as well as measurements to calculate the facial index, cranial index, and skull index. The results showed no difference in the prevalence of nasal septal deviation between dogs with nasal pathology and those without. The mean longitudinal extent of deviation and maximum distance of deviation was statistically greater for those with neoplasia compared to those with rhinitis and without nasal pathology. The longitudinal extent of deviation was inversely proportional to the cranial index, facial index, and skull index. The angle of deviation was directly proportional to the facial index and skull index. In conclusion, nasal septal deviation is an anatomic variant in different breeds of dogs with no predilection based on nasal pathology. Nasal septal deviation should be interpreted cautiously in the assessment of canine nasal disease.     

Bilateral orbital and nasal aspergillosis in a cat

A 12-year-old, 4 kg, castrated male Persian cat was referred with a 2-month history of sneezing and bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge. Rhinoscopically acquired nasal biopsies at this time revealed bilateral lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis. A tapering dose of oral prednisone caused the complete remission of the clinical signs, but 2 months after discontinuation of the therapy, the rhinitis recurred and the OD became exophthalmic. Computed tomography showed a soft tissue mass in both sides of the nasal cavity, both frontal sinuses, the right orbit, and to a lesser extent the left orbit. A fine needle aspirate of the right orbit revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation and Aspergillus spp. hyphae. Repeat nasal biopsy demonstrated multi-focal necrosis and a mixed inflammatory cell process which now included macrophages and scattered septate fungal hyphae. A few days later the cat became bilaterally blind and a contrast enhancing lesion involving the optic chiasm was found on magnetic resonance imaging. Despite a poor prognosis, therapy consisted of exenteration of the right orbit and trephination of both frontal sinuses before the planned initiation of medical antifungal therapy. Unfortunately, the cat died of cardiac arrest intraoperatively. Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured from both orbits at necropsy. Orbital aspergillosis has been rarely reported in cats and its relationship with lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis is unclear. In this patient lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis or previous antibiotic/corticosteroid therapy may have allowed secondary fungal invasion of the nasal mucosa and subsequently both orbits and the brain. Alternatively, Aspergillus infection may have preceded the lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis.     

Canine chronic inflammatory rhinitis

Chronic inflammatory rhinitis is commonly found in dogs with chronic nasal disease and is characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in the nasal mucosa in the absence of an obvious etiologic process. The pathogenesis of lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis remains unknown. Animals respond poorly to antibiotics, oral glucocorticoids, and antihistamines, making primary infectious, immune-mediated, or allergic etiologies unlikely. Aberrant immune response to inhaled organisms or allergens may induce inflammation in some animals. Common clinical signs include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, epistaxis, and stertor. Diagnosis is made by performing a thorough history, physical examination, radiography or advanced imaging (via computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging), rhinoscopy, and nasal mucosal biopsy to rule out primary etiologies of nasal discharge. Treatment strategies have included various antibiotics, antihistamines, oral and inhalant steroids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatories, and antifungal medications. Some dogs may respond partially to doxycycline or azithromycin, although it is unclear whether response is related to antimicrobial or antiinflammatory properties of these drugs. Hydration of the nasal cavity through nasal drops or aerosols may limit nasal discharge, and some animals may improve with inhalant (but rarely oral) glucocorticoids.     

Long-term outcomes in dogs with sinonasal aspergillosis treated with intranasal infusions of enilconazole

Long-term outcomes (mean 38+/-17 months) were evaluated in 27 dogs with sinonasal aspergillosis after successful medical treatment using intranasal infusions of 1% or 2% enilconazole (1%, n=15; 2%, n=12). Long-term outcomes with both treatment protocols were good, with half of the dogs being asymptomatic throughout the follow-up period. The remaining dogs showed mild clinical signs compatible with chronic rhinitis/sinusitis. These clinical signs were interpreted as chronic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis/sinusitis and episodes of bacterial rather than fungal infection. Three dogs had confirmed reinfection or relapse 2 to 36 months after clinical resolution.     

RETROSPECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGING OF FELINE SINONASAL DISEASE IN 62 CATS

Sixty-two cats with sinonasal disease were evaluated with computed tomography. Findings that may lead to a computed tomographic diagnosis of nasal neoplasia versus rhinitis included osteolysis of the paranasal bones, moderate to severe turbinate destruction, lysis of the nasal septum, the presence of a homogenous space occupying mass, and extension of the disease process into the orbit or facial soft tissues. These findings were not pathognomonic for neoplasia and may be associated with severe rhinitis; therefore, nasal biopsy was recommended. When compared with parallel radiographic studies, computed tomography was not more sensitive than radiographs at detecting the presence of nasal cavity abnormalities in cats with referable clinical signs but was more sensitive at localizing these changes and determining the extent of disease.     

Effect of atrophic rhinitis on growth rate in Illinois swine herds

Influence of atrophic rhinitis (AR) on mean daily weight gain (MDG) was studied in hogs randomly selected from 7 farrow-to-finish herds in Illinois. Herds were selected to obtain a wide range of clinical signs and lesions of the disease; thus, prevalence of clinical signs of AR in finishing hogs ranged from 0% to 20% among herds, and in hogs examined at slaughter the proportion of hogs with turbinate lesions ranged from 5% to 92%. None of the herds investigated had any obvious problems with pneumonia; nevertheless, hogs with moderate to severe pneumonic lesions were excluded from the study, to minimize any combined effect of AR and pneumonia. In 3 herds, MDG in AR-free pigs was 15% to 18% better than in pigs with severe AR lesions. Prevalence of clinical signs ranged from 5% to 20%, and of turbinate lesions, from 66% to 92%. In 4 herds in which MDG appeared to be unaffected by AR, prevalence of clinical signs of the disease ranged from 0% to 5%, and of turbinate lesions, from 5% to 74%. No consistent pattern of influence on AR lesions was found for bacterial infections, as determined by culturing of nasal swab specimens on MacConkey agar and blood agar.     

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.