Nose and Sinuses
General
CT and MRI scans can quickly detect inflammation, foreign bodies, and tumors in the nasal cavity and sinuses. These tests provide more information than rhinoscopy regarding the extent of the condition and any infiltration. Rhinoscopy, of course, remains indispensable for taking biopsies.d
CASE: Roetje, a cat with recurrent nasal discharge
Roetje was referred because she had recurrent nasal discharge. Antibiotics provided significant relief from her symptoms, but the discharge returned after she finished the course of treatment. A viral culture from a nasal swab came back negative. The cat wasn’t really sick and had a normal appetite.
Clinical examination: normal temperature, pulse, and respiration; pink mucous membranes; mandibular lymph nodes slightly enlarged; other lymph nodes normal.
Because a rhinoscopy is often very difficult to perform on such a small kitten, the referring veterinarian requested a CT scan. The CT images (in the banner at the top of this page) clearly show swollen mucosa in the nasal cavity with unaffected turbinates, and no signs of tumor growth. There is no evidence of a fungal infection. Probable diagnosis: rhinitis.
After the examination, Roetje underwent long-term antibiotic treatment and has been symptom-free so far (six months after the examination).
