Rhinoscopy
Nasal endoscopy (Rhinoscopy) is a diagnostic tool used by our vets to examine the nasal cavity of animals.
It involves using a specialised instrument, called a nasoscope, to see inside the nasal passages and sinuses.
What Is Rhinoscopy?
Rhinoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows us to examine the nasal cavity for potential problems such as irritation, inflammation, cancer, lacerations, bleeding, or foreign bodies such as plant debris.
This procedure requires mild to moderate anaesthesia.
In nasal endoscopy, a small fiberoptic endoscope is inserted into the nasal cavity through the dog’s nose and then guided through it. If a foreign body is detected during endoscopy, it can be removed with a small specialist accessory attached to the endoscope.
Alternatively, an endoscope is used to obtain biopsies from the nasal cavity
Benefits Of Rhinoscopy
Rhinoscopy has several advantages for pets:
ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS
Rhinoscopy provides a direct and clear view of the inside of the nasal passages, this allows us to accurately diagnose conditions such as foreign objects, infections, tumours and growths.
EARLY DETECTION
By easily visualising the inside of the nasal passages, Rhinoscopy can help identify problems early on, before they become more serious.
BIOPSY SAMPLING
Rhinoscopy provides the opportunity for us to take biopsy samples if needed, which can be used to identify specific conditions affecting the nasal passages.
NON-INVASIVE
Unlike traditional surgical procedures, rhinoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require incisions or extensive tissue damage.
FOREIGN BODY RETRIEVAL
We can use the Rhinoscope to retrieve foreign bodies from the nasal passages, which can cause discomfort and health issues for your pet.
LESS PAINFUL
Rhinoscopy is performed under general anaesthesia and is minimally invasive which means your pet will recover faster.
Nosing Around
Cats and dogs are naturally curious animals and will roam and explore their surroundings if given the opportunity.
Unlike humans, dogs and cats rely on their noses to observe things in their environment. That’s why as they explore new places and surroundings, you’ll find them sniffing out every nook and cranny they come across.
Unfortunately, this normal behavior can cause your pet to accidentally inhale seemingly innocuous objects that can get stuck in their nasal passages and cause problems.
What Are The Signs That My Pet May Need Rhinoscopy?
Your pet may exhibit a variety of symptoms. These symptoms are not specific to any particular disease process; rather, they are similar to disorders affecting the dog’s nose.
Some of the symptoms that may be associated with this condition are sneezing, runny nose of all kinds, stuffy nose, heavy sniffling/snorting, choking or swelling of the face or skull.
Since cats rarely breathe through their mouths, it is not uncommon for cats to have difficulty breathing when they have a stuffy nose.
