Rhinoscopy — endoscopy of the nasal cavity
Viewing the nasal cavity and nasopharynx from the inside with an endoscope, with samples taken or a foreign body removed. For dogs and cats whose sneezing, nasal discharge or nosebleeds do not resolve with treatment.
What it involves
Rhinoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the nose: with a thin endoscope we view the nasal passages from the nostrils inwards, and with a flexible endoscope bent behind the soft palate — the nasopharynx, that is, the place where the nose joins the throat. We can see the nasal turbinates, the state of the mucosa, discharge, fungal plaques, polyps, tumours and foreign bodies.
During the examination we take samples from suspicious areas for histopathology, swabs for culture and mycological testing, flush the nasal cavity and remove foreign bodies (for example blades of grass that have lodged in the nasopharynx). Rhinoscopy is therefore both an examination and a procedure.
The anatomy of the nose is complex and the endoscope sees only the surface — so when a tumour or fungal infection of the sinuses is suspected, we supplement the examination with sampling and imaging studies.
When it is used
We recommend rhinoscopy for sneezing, nasal discharge or bleeding lasting more than 3–4 weeks, especially if unilateral, for reverse sneezing that gets worse over time, noisy breathing through the nose, deformity of the muzzle, or when antibiotic treatment does not bring lasting improvement.
Sudden, violent sneezing with rubbing of the nose after a walk in long grass suggests a foreign body — in that case the examination is worth doing quickly, before an infection develops.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- A dog has had a one-sided nasal discharge for weeks — mucous, purulent or bloody.
- A cat sneezes in bouts, has a blocked nose and breathes through its mouth despite treatment for an infection.
- A dog suddenly began to sneeze violently and rub its nose with a paw after running in grass.
- A dog’s nose bleeds without an injury, sometimes from only one nostril.
- A dog snores, reverse sneezes more and more often, and has noisy breathing through the nose.
- The muzzle or the area around the eye looks swollen or deformed on one side.
- Nasal discharge appears when eating — an oronasal fistula from a diseased tooth is possible.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
Before rhinoscopy we perform a clinical examination including assessment of the mouth and teeth (a dental cause is common), a blood count, biochemistry and — for nosebleeds — a clotting test and blood pressure measurement; bleeding can be a sign of systemic disease rather than a nasal problem. A skull X-ray has limited value, but it helps to rule out dental causes.
Pre-anaesthetic assessment under STD-01.
How it proceeds
The fasted patient receives premedication and an intravenous cannula; general anaesthesia with intubation and a cuff sealing the trachea, so that fluid and blood from the nose do not enter the airways. We protect the throat with gauze swabs. Monitoring of ECG, oxygen saturation, capnography, blood pressure and temperature (STD-02). First, with a flexible endoscope bent behind the soft palate, we view the nasopharynx, then with a rigid or thin flexible endoscope both nasal passages from the front, flushing them with saline for better visibility.
We take samples from lesions (the nose has a rich blood supply, so bleeding after a biopsy is normal and we control it with pressure and cold fluid), swabs for tests, and remove foreign bodies or polyps. If a fungal infection is suspected, we can give topical treatment under the same anaesthetic. The examination takes 30–60 minutes. The patient wakes up in the in-patient hospital with the head slightly raised and goes home the same day, unless the bleeding needs observation.
Aftercare
For 1–3 days sneezing, a slight bloody or mucous nasal discharge and light snoring are normal. Keep the animal calm, avoid excitement and exertion, and do not let it rub its nose (use a collar if necessary). Medication as set out in the discharge instructions.
We discuss the histopathology and culture result after 7–14 days and then agree the treatment: antifungal, anti-inflammatory, dental or oncological (we do not perform radiotherapy — for nasal tumours we refer to a centre that offers it). Call if the bleeding is heavy or does not stop after 2 days, or if breathing difficulty, fever or loss of appetite appears.
Frequently asked questions
Is a nosebleed after the examination dangerous?
Slight bleeding for 1–2 days is normal — the nose has a rich blood supply and we take samples from it. Heavy or prolonged bleeding is a reason to phone us.
Is rhinoscopy enough to diagnose a nasal tumour?
To identify the type of tumour — yes, thanks to the biopsy. The scope of further diagnostics and the treatment options are discussed by the veterinarian after the result.
Why does the dog sneeze from one side only?
One-sided signs suggest a local process: a foreign body, a fungal infection, a tumour or a fistula from a tooth. Two-sided signs more often mean an infection or more generalised inflammation. This is an important clue that is worth telling us.
Can anything be done for a cat that sneezes chronically after cat flu?
Rhinoscopy lets us assess how much of the turbinates remains, rule out a polyp and a foreign body, take a culture sample and plan symptomatic treatment. Destroyed turbinates cannot be rebuilt, but the frequency of relapses can be reduced.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Do you have questions about rhinoscopy?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.