RHINITIS: A SHORT REVIEW

  • Felix Daniel Lucaci University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine
  • Sorin Marian Mârza Faculty Of Veterinay Medicine, Clinics Departament, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
  • Radu Lăcătuș Faculty Of Veterinay Medicine, Clinics Departament, Cluj-Napoca, România
  • Robert Cristian Purdoiu Faculty Of Veterinay Medicine, Clinics Departament, Cluj-Napoca, România
Keywords: companion animals, fungal rhinitis, idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis, computed tomography (CT), rhinitis

Abstract

Rhinitis, defined as inflammation of the nasal mucosa, is a prevalent and multifactorial condition affecting companion animals, particularly dogs and cats. The condition manifests with diverse clinical symptoms, including nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion, and, in chronic cases, reduced olfactory function, significantly impacting animal welfare. The etiology encompasses infectious agents such as viruses (e.g., canine distemper virus, feline herpesvirus), bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella spp.), and fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus), as well as non-infectious factors like allergies, foreign bodies, and idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis. Advanced diagnostic tools, including rhinoscopy, computed tomography (CT), and cytology, have greatly improved the ability to differentiate between infectious, allergic, and neoplastic causes, leading to targeted treatment strategies such as antimicrobial therapy, antifungal agents, and immunosuppressive therapies. Environmental factors, including poor air quality and inadequate husbandry practices, play a critical role in chronic rhinitis, particularly in overcrowded environments. While advances in diagnostics and management have improved clinical outcomes, chronic and idiopathic rhinitis remain significant challenging requiring long-term care. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of rhinitis in dogs and cats, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to improve animal health and welfare.

Published
2025-01-09