Retrospective study of 52 cases of rhinoscopy in dogs and cats

It is often difficult to reach a sound diagnosis when dealing with chronic disorders of the nasal cavity. Complementary examinations, such as radiographs and blood analyses are indispensable, although sometimes they provide an equivocal answer. Rhinoscopy gives the opportunity of visualising the structure of the nasal cavities and the nasopharynx and studying their morphology. A rhinoscopy can be combined with a biopsy of the nasal mucosa, which in many cases makes it possible to reach a definitive diagnosis. A retrospective study of 52 cases of rhinoscopy is presented by the authors. Results show a high proportion of tumours of the nasal cavities (36.5%). Then come rhinitis (25.1%), foreign bodies (11.5%), oronasal fistulae without ant endo-oral incidence (5.9%), synechiae (3.8%), imperforations of the choanae (3.8%), aspergillosis (1.9%) and necrosis of the nasal conchae (1.9%). Rhinoscopy has made it possible to highlight rhinitis ruing ct biopsy, foreign bodies invisible on a radiograph, dental disorders without there being any lesions within the mouth and above all, congenital or acquired disorders (synechiae and imperforations of the choanae) and in certain cases has made it possible to suggest therapy (26.9%). Consequently the authors' conclusions emphasise the benefits of the rhinoscopy not only in the diagnosis but also in the treatment of disorders of the nasal cavity in virtue of the rising success of endonasal surgery.