Update on the diagnosis of canine sino-nasal aspergillosis

Sino-nasal aspergillosis is one of the most common causes of nasal discharge in dogs. Confirmation of the diagnosis remains challenging since no single diagnostic method allows a diagnosis in all cases. Direct visualization of fungal plaques by endoscopy and/or the observation of fungal elements on culture or on cytological or histopathological examination from nasal specimens sampled under endoscopic guidance have become accepted as the gold standard for the diagnosis of canine sino-nasal aspergillosis. However, endoscopic equipment is not widely available in general veterinary practice. In consequence, veterinarians have to use other diagnostic tests to confirm their diagnosis. The present paper reviews currently available diagnostic methods for sino-nasal aspergillosis in dogs.