K-10: When the Sneezing and Runny Nose Don’t Stop: Investigating and Managing Chronic Nasal Disease in Dogs and Cats

This lecture explores the investigation and management of chronic nasal disease in dogs and cats. 

Unlike cats, dogs do not suffer from a condition comparable to “cat flu,” which means that clinical signs such as sneezing and nasal discharge in dogs must be taken seriously, as they often indicate underlying disease within the nasal cavity. Malignant neoplasia is among the most common causes of nasal discharge in dogs, and since prognosis and treatment response worsen with increasing tumor size, early recognition is critical. Similarly, sinonasal aspergillosis can lead to cribriform plate lysis, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention in nasal cavity disease.

In cats, chronic nasal discharge can be misattributed to “cat flu” and treated symptomatically, for example with antibiotics, on the long term. However, underlying conditions such as nasal neoplasia, chronic rhinitis, or fungal infections may be the true cause. Key aspects of diagnosis and the spectrum of nasal diseases may differ between dogs and cats what will be addressed in the lecture as well.

The presentation reviews the range of nasal diseases in both species that lead to persistent nasal discharge. Various therapeutic approaches are discussed, including minimally invasive techniques aimed at improving patient comfort and clinical outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into modern diagnostic strategies and treatment options for chronic nasal disease, with a focus on individualized care and recent advances in veterinary Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) medicine.