Nasal Discharges and Sneezing - The Tests That Can Be Performed

Nasal discharges and sneezing are two clinical signs that are associated with disorders affecting the nasal cavity and/or nasal sinuses. The two signs do not always occur together. Occasional sneezing is a perfectly normal reaction whereas repeated bouts of vigorous sneezing may indicate the presence of a foreign body or infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria. Nasal discharges may similarly be due to infections and foreign bodies but also can be caused by polyps, tumours or allergic reactions etc. 

In addition, conditions arising in the mouth such as oral tumours or tooth root abscesses may be responsible as can conditions located deeper within the airways. Thus, all in all, diagnosis can sometimes be extremely complex.

How is diagnosis made?

As with diagnosis of many conditions a full history and physical examination often supplies vital clues. History should include information such as the duration of sneezing or details of the nasal discharge.

For example, sudden sneezing in an otherwise healthy dog may be due to the inhalation of a foreign body such as a grass awn into the nasal passage. A cat with a long standing, thick nasal discharge and a swelling over the affected nostril may have an underlying chronic infection or a tumour.

Diagnosis in all these cases has to follow a careful step-by-step approach. The next step is to carry out a series of basic screening tests.

What do these tests involve?

The first step is usually to take a small blood sample. This will be used for a number of tests which can indicate the presence of infection, anaemia, whether blood coagulation is normal as well as a whole range of biochemical tests which can give an accurate picture of the general health of the patient. This serum biochemistry profile, as it is called, together with an urinalysis will provide important information regarding the functioning of the liver and kidneys. This information could be invaluable if the animal has to subsequently undergo tests involving general anaesthesia. In addition, microscopic examination of the nasal discharge is usually routinely carried out. Radiographs (X-rays) of the head, chest and nasal cavities may then be necessary. These usually require general anaesthesia. In the case of an infection, special tests may be needed to determine the cause, which may be due to viruses, fungi or bacteria.

If the pet is otherwise healthy but has suddenly started sneezing, rhinoscopy, again under anaesthesia, is often invaluable. This involves examination of the nasal passages with a special fibreoptic scope which often will visualise the foreign body and may aid its removal.

What if these tests do not yield a positive result?

If the condition proves particularly refractory to diagnosis, and hence effective treatment, referral to a specialist centre may be advised. We will discuss this fully with you should the need arise.