Case Study

CT – Chronic unspecific rhinitis and sinusitis in a 11 year old MN Dachshund

This 11 year old MN Dachshund has had a green nasal discharge ever since his dental cleaning one year previously. BUN 39, ALT 133, ALKP 269

DX

Chronic bilateral rhinitis with left sided sinusitis • Age related jaw bone atrophy and multifocal periodontitis – most pronounced at triadan 109

Image Interpretation

CT of the head and thorax –

Head:

The left frontal sinus is completely filled with soft tissue attenuating material. Multifocal accumulation of non-gravity dependent soft tissue attenuating material is asymmetrically distributed between the conchae of both nasal cavities. The material presents no contrast enhancement. There is no evidence of turbinate destruction in either of the nasal cavities. After contrast administration there is mild thickening of the mucosal surfaces visible. Moderate generalized osteopenia and atrophy of the alveolar bone is noted in all quadrants as well as multifocal widening of the periodontal ligament emphasizing the triadan 109.

Outcome

The computed tomographic findings are compatible with chronic non-specific rhinitis
and sinusitis. An association between the changes within the nasal and oral cavities is
not evident.
Possible causes of the rhinitis/sinusitis can be either viral or immune-mediated (most
common form would be lymphocytic-plasmocytic) rhinitis with bacterial
superinfection. The changes noted are not typical of fungal rhinitis or a foreign body
related rhinitis. There is no evidence of neoplastic disease.
Consider rhinoscopy – if not yet done – for taking biopsies of the nasal mucosa and
specimens for bacterial culture.