Ventral rhinotomy in a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with an odontogenic abscess and sub-obstructive rhinitis.

A rabbit was presented for severe dyspnea and was diagnosed with an odontogenic abscess obstructing the rostral nasopharynx using CT scan and oral endoscopy. The offending tooth was extracted intraorally, but due to persistent dyspnea, an endoscopic-guided ventral rhinotomy was performed. The dyspnea subsequently resolved, but the rabbit died 5 weeks later from a seemingly unrelated cause.

Rhinotomie ventrale chez un lapin de compagnie(Oryctolagus cuniculus)atteint d'un abcès odontogène et d'une rhinite causant une subocclusion. Un lapin a été présenté pour une dyspnée grave et a été diagnostiqué avec un abcès odontogène bloquant le nasopharynx rostral par tomodensitométrie et endoscopie orale. La dent en cause a été extraite intra-oralement, mais, en raison d'une dyspnée persistante, une rhinotomie ventrale guidée par endoscopie a été réalisée. La dyspnée s'est subséquemment résorbée, mais le lapin est mort 5 semaines plus tard d'une cause apparemment non reliée.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Ventricular pneumocephalus, cervical subarachnoid pneumorrhachis, and meningoencephalitis in a dog following rhinotomy for chronic fungal rhinitis.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 5-year-old 35.8-kg (78.8-lb) neutered male Labrador Retriever was evaluated for chronic nasal discharge associated with a fungal infection. The dog had previously been prescribed antimicrobials and antifungal treatment, but owner compliance was lacking. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, mild ulceration of the left nasal commissure, and hyperkeratosis of the dorsal nasal planum were present. Computed tomography revealed destruction of the intranasal structures, focal lysis of the cribriform plate, and invasion of a soft-tissue mass into the frontal cortex. Rhinoscopy revealed a large pale mass in the caudal aspect of the right nasal passage; a biopsy sample was consistent with Aspergillus sp on histologic evaluation. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Initial treatment included medical management with an antifungal agent. Approximately 3 months later, a large fungal granuloma in the right frontal sinus was removed and debridement was performed via dorsal rhinotomy. One month after surgery, the dog was evaluated for signs of cervical pain and altered mentation. An MRI and CSF analysis were performed; diagnoses of ventricular pneumocephalus, subarachnoid pneumorrhachis, and meningoencephalitis were made. Management included oxygen therapy and administration of antimicrobials, analgesics, and antifungal medications. On follow-up 9 months after initial evaluation, neurologic deficits were reportedly resolved, and the dog was doing well. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This report emphasizes the importance of prompt, appropriate treatment of fungal rhinitis in dogs. Although rare, pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis should be included as differential diagnoses for neurologic signs following treatment for this condition. In this dog, the complications were not considered severe and improved over time with supportive care.

Clinical signs, treatment, and outcome in 15 cattle with sinonasal cysts.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of cattle with sinonasal cysts. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Cattle (n = 15). METHODS: Medical records (2004-2011) of cattle with a fluid-filled mass in the nasal cavity, conchae, and/or paranasal sinuses were evaluated. Data retrieved and analyzed were reason of presentation, clinical signs, diagnostic techniques, surgical treatment, complications, and outcome. RESULTS: Common presenting clinical signs were abnormal respiratory noise, nasal discharge, and abnormal respiratory effort. Mean age of affected cattle was 21.7 months. In 9 animals, cysts were identified by endoscopy. Radiographic signs included a mass in the paranasal sinuses or conchae (13), nasal septum deviation (12), fluid lines (10), and bone atrophy (5). Ten cattle were treated surgically with osteoplastic flap techniques to gain access to the frontal or maxillary sinus (5), nasal extraction of the cyst under endoscopic control (3) or a combination of both techniques (2). Nine cattle returned to be productive members of their herd and had no recurrence (mean follow-up, 20.7 months). CONCLUSIONS: Sinonasal cysts should be considered as a primary differential diagnosis in cattle with abnormal respiratory noise, particularly in younger animals. Multiple cysts were common, which underlines the importance of a thorough preoperative examination using appropriate imaging modalities. Despite the often expansive nature of sinonasal cysts, the prognosis with surgical treatment was good.

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.

Cosmetic reconstruction of a nasal plane and rostral nasal skin defect using a modified nasal rotation flap in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To report reconstruction of a defect of the nasal plane and the rostral dorsum of the nose in a dog using a nasal rotation flap with Burow's triangles. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Mixed-breed dog (1.5 years, 8.6 kg). METHODS: A nasal defect caused by chronic granulomatous inflammation and involving the lateral nasal plane and adjacent rostral nasal dorsum in a dog was reconstructed and closed using a unilateral nasal rotation flap incorporating dorsal nasal plane tissue, with excision of Burow's triangles. RESULTS: The modified unilateral nasal rotation flap was effective in closing a defect of the rostral nasal dorsum. Incorporation of dorsal nasal plane tissue in the flap allowed for a cosmetic reconstruction of the lateral nasal plane defect (wing of nostril). CONCLUSIONS: Skin defects on the rostral dorsum of the nose and defects of the nasal plane in dogs can be closed and/or reconstructed using nasal rotation flaps incorporating nasal plane tissue.

Evaluation of a laryngotomy approach for near-total resection of the nasal septum in the horse.

OBJECTIVE: To report a laryngotomy approach for the removal of the nasal septum in adult horses. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. ANIMALS: Horses (n = 10). METHODS: Near-total resection of the nasal septum was made using a modification of a previously reported 3-wire technique using a trephination approach and a 2-wire technique using a laryngotomy approach. Surgical time, ease of technique, complications, and outcome were recorded. At 45 days, horses were euthanatized and septal measurements made. RESULTS: Near-total resection of the nasal septum was accomplished with both techniques without complications. Incisional complications occurred in the trephination group and transient granulation tissue formation near the rostral stump occurred in the laryngotomy group. The laryngotomy technique was technically easier and resulted in a more cosmetic outcome. CONCLUSIONS: A laryngotomy approach is safe and expedient for near-total resection of the nasal septum with minimal complications.

Equine paranasal sinus disease: a long-term study of 200 cases (1997-2009): treatments and long-term results of treatments.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is limited objective information available on the treatment and the long-term response to treatment of the different types of equine sinus disease. OBJECTIVES: To document the treatments and long-term response to these treatments in 200 cases of equine sinus disease (1997-2009). METHODS: The treatments of horses affected with subacute primary sinusitis (n = 52); chronic primary sinusitis (n = 37); dental sinusitis (n = 40); sinus cyst (n = 26); traumatic (n = 13); dental-related oromaxillary fistula (n = 8); sinus neoplasia (n = 10); mycotic sinus disease (n = 7); and intrasinus progressive ethmoid haematoma (n = 7) and the long-term response to these treatments were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Treatments evolved throughout the study and latterly were as conservative as possible, including sinoscopic lavage and standing sinusotomy, with a maxillary sinusotomy approach preferred for the mainly mature horses treated in this study. Removal of intrasinus inspissated pus, including transendoscopically (by sinusotomy and via existing sinonasal fistulae), was the main treatment for chronic primary sinusitis and sinonasal fistulation was seldom performed latterly. Attempted oral extraction of infected cheek teeth, even if unsuccessful, facilitated subsequent dental repulsion, resulting in few post operative problems. Sinus cyst removal carried an excellent prognosis. Except for cases of sinus neoplasia (only 22% cured), an excellent long-term response to treatment (91% fully cured, 7% partially cured) was obtained for all other types of sinus disease following a median of one treatment. CONCLUSIONS: More conservative treatments, including removal of intrasinus inspissated pus by sinoscopy, pre-existing sinonasal fistula or sinusotomy, are effective for chronic primary sinus disease. Standing sinusotomy, mainly using a small maxillary site, was suitable for most cases of sinus disease in mature horses.