Clinical, imaging and rhinoscopy findings of dogs and cats with nasal foreign bodies presenting to a UK referral hospital: 71 cases (2010-2022)

Abstract

Objectives: Description of clinical presentation and diagnostic findings in dogs and cats with confirmed nasal foreign bodies.

Materials and methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study. Clinical presentation, imaging and rhinoscopy findings of dogs and cats, between January 2010 and December 2022, were reviewed.

Results: A total of 63 dogs and eight cats met the criteria. Median length of clinical signs was 7 and 45 days in dogs and cats, respectively. Most common clinical signs in both groups were sneezing (46/71, 64.8%) and nasal discharge (44/71, 62%). The discharge was unilateral in the majority of cases (38/44, 86.4%). Computed tomography was the predominant form of imaging modality used in 40 cases (40/71, 56.3%). Visualisation of a foreign body using computed tomography was possible in only 14 cases (14/40, 35%). The vast majority of cases had unilateral changes (33/40, 82.5%), including fluid accumulation (33/40, 82.5%) and mucosal thickening (29/40, 72.5%). More severe changes such as turbinate destruction were evident in 26 cases (26/40, 65%). Foreign body removal was achieved through rhinoscopy or nasal flushing in 66 and four cases, respectively.

Clinical significance: Based on the findings of this study, although unilateral discharge was more common, nasal foreign bodies should remain a differential diagnosis in bilateral cases. In comparison to dogs, cats had a more chronic presentation. Computed tomography was the most common imaging modality, but visualisation of a foreign body remains difficult and was not improved with contrast study; inability to identify a foreign body does not exclude it.