![]() ![]() Neoplasia further alters function and form, allowing secondary changes. Chondritis and osteomyelitis often follow infection/inflammation and it has been suggested that chronic rhinitis/sinusitis may predispose to nasal lymphoma. Trauma, conformational aspects, polyps, periodontal disease and foreign bodies all predispose to chronic infection. These result in facial deformity and skin ulceration, usually with unilateral nasal discharge. The main fungal organisms causing chronic upper respiratory disease are Cryptococcus neoformans vars. When antimicrobial therapy of 7-10 day duration fails to result in resolution of disease, a thorough diagnostic work-up is recommended. Bartonella henselae is commonly detected by serology, but its role is not certain.īacteria are only part of the cause of the illness. Less frequently reported bacteria include Actinomyces spp., Haemophilus spp., and Capnocytophaga spp. L-forms may be involved but require specific culture techniques for verification. Chlamydophylliosis is uncommon infection is limited to varying degrees of conjunctivitis. may be cultured, but are difficult to isolate. Primary bacterial agents include Bordetella bronchiseptica, commonly found as a commensal without causing morbidity. Latency of FHV-1 accounts for recurrence of clinical signs during periods of stress approximately 80% of infected cats are permanent carriers. Irreversible turbinate destruction may result in viral or inflammatory mediator-induced cytolysis.Ĭalicivirus infection results in a carrier state with continuous shedding for variable periods. Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) may initiate turbinate resorption, allowing subsequent secondary bacterial infections, especially if conformation predisposes. It may represent an ineffective immune response to persistent viral infection. In older cats, a minimum database is critical as concurrent renal or other insufficiency will be compromised by dehydration/ inappetence.Ĭhronic rhinitis may be a sequel to acute rhinitis but may occur separately. Regional and other lymph nodes should be assessed for enlargement. ![]() Perform a thorough physical examination, including fundic examination for Cryptococcus and signs of systemic disease. For pulmonary auscultation, use two heads, the standard bell and a Plexiglas scope (e.g., Ultrascope TM) as they provide different sensitivities and frequencies. Occasionally auscultation of the frontal sinuses using a small pediatric bell may be revealing. Auscult the trachea and thorax to define the primary location. Palpate the trachea to see if this elicits a cough. Open the mouth to evaluate neurologic competency: jaw tone (motor V), position, movements and symmetry of the tongue (XII), and gag reflex (IX, X).Įvaluate nasal passage patency using a cold small mirror/glass slide or wisps of cotton. Evaluate the palate for oronasal fistula, masses or ulceration. Thoroughly evaluate teeth and alveolar bone for periodontal disease, abscessation or inflammation. Palpate the face for swelling, invagination or discomfort. Caliciviral ulcers are typically located intraorally, on the lips or on the nasal planum.Īssess facial symmetry from in front and above. Ulceration of the nasal planum may be from concurrent herpes viral dermatitis. Depigmentation may be attributable to chronic inflammation, infection or immune mediation. Seasonal flare-ups suggest an allergic or irritant component.Ĭlients may notice facial asymmetry or ulcerations. Breathing may be 'worse at night', (reflecting bronchitis or merely the time that the client is at home to observe the cat) or worse after exercise or at rest, reflecting severity of disease or movement of secretions. The cat may sound hoarse or silent when meowing or the purr may change. It can be useful to determine onset, duration and frequency of sneezing, whether nasal discharge changes throughout the day or season, and whether it is unilateral or bilateral. Presentation includes sneezing, nasal discharge, and noisy breathing with or without inappetence. Novel choices and drug combinations are discussed. Even with viral etiology, therapies to reduce pathological consequences may help control clinical signs. A diagnostic plan to differentiate probable etiologies and rule-out non-viral causes enables appropriate therapeutic choices. The longer it proceeds, the greater the consequences to affected tissues and the more debilitating it is. The chronic feline snuffler is a frustrating patient to treat. Books & VINcyclopedia of Diseases (Formerly Associate).VINcyclopedia of Diseases (Formerly Associate). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |