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Nasal tumors in pets By Dr. Bridgette Johnson: The nasal cavity is a large air-filled space above and behind the nose. The nostrils open into two passageways that end at the throat and are filled with very fine scrolls of bones called turbinates. The turbinates are covered with pink tissue (called mucosa) which is similar to the tissue lining the inside of the mouth. The tumors that affect this area are locally invasive — meaning that the tissues in the area of the nasal passage are replaced by abnormally growing tumor cells. These types of tumors occur rarely in dogs and are even rarer in the cat. The most commonly occurring nasal tumors are malignant. The most common types of nasal tumors in the dog are adenocarinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and undifferentiated carcinomas. The most common types to affect cats are lymphosarcomas and adenocarcinomas. The benign forms of nasal tumors may include papillomas, transmissable venereal tumors (dogs only), adenomas and fibromas. Older animals are most commonly affected however nasal tumors can occur in dogs of any age. Clinical signs In dogs, the duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis ranges from two weeks to 2.5 years with an average duration of three months. In cats the duration of clinical signs prior to presentation has ranged from seven days to five years. The most common symptom is nasal discharge which can range from serous (thin, watery secretions) to mucoid, mucopurulent or even hemorrhagic (bloody). The discharge can be unilateral (from one nostril) or bilateral (from both nostrils). When the discharge is bilateral it is usually more severe from one nostril. Sneezing is a common occurrence as well as a total lack of airflow from one or both nostrils. Some animals with nasal tumors may breathe loudly from the mouth rather than through the nostrils, due to the obstruction of airflow by the tumor. Deformity of the facial structures due to local invasion by the tumor is sometimes noticed. Loss of appetite and weight loss are also associated with nasal tumors. Differential diagnosis There are several other reasons that pets may exhibit the symptoms associated with nasal tumors and require thorough evaluation to rule out the following diseases. In dogs the differential diagnoses for chronic nasal disease include: aspergillosis (fungal infection), lymphoplasmacytic (immune mediated) rhinitis, bacterial rhinitis, foreign body (e.g., plant awn), oronasal fistulae (abnormal connection between the oral and nasal cavities), dental disease, inflammatory polyp, and the nasal mite. In patients with epistaxis (nose bleeds) other differentials include primary coagulopathies (blood clotting disorders), secondary coagulopathies (e.g., canine ehrlichiosis) and hyperviscosity syndrome (e.g., multiple myeloma). In cats differential diagnoses include nasopharyngeal/inflammatory polyps, bacterial or viral rhinitis, lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis, and cryptococcosis (fungal infection). Diagnosis Diagnosis of nasal tumors is made by identifying abnormal tissue on physical exam, radiography (X-rays), CT scan (where available), fine needle aspirates of the mass or areas of facial deformity, or rhinoscopy (nasal endoscope) with biopsies of the abnormal tissue. Treatment Nasal tumors are difficult to treat. The complex structure of the nose makes it impossible to surgically remove a tumor from inside the nose. Radiation therapy can be used to slow the growth of tumors in the nose, however radiation therapy is only available in select locations in large cities or at Veterinary Schools. Nasal tumors are not usually responsive to anti-cancer drugs. They can grow into the brain causing changes in behavior or seizures. They may also break through the bones of the face causing distortion of the face. Persistent weight loss, anorexia and weight loss, neurologic signs, and labored breathing are common complications of nasal tumors, which usually lead to euthanasia. To have your pet questions answered, send an e-mail to purrfectpets1@gmail.com or call Dr. Bridgette Johnson at 364 - 8101. Monday January 25, 2010