Rhinitis in Dogs
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the lining of the nasal cavity or sinuses. Rhinitis causes sneezing, mucous discharge and, occasionally, bleeding from the nose. Young dogs tend to develop infectious rhinitis, while older dogs tend develop tumor-related rhinitis.
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Causes
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Viruses, bacteria, parasites and allergies can cause rhinitis in dogs. Foreign objects, such as grass seeds, food or slivers of wood, can also cause rhinitis.
Symptoms
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In addition to sneezing and discharge, dogs with rhinitis may have a fever and be lethargic. They may also have halitosis and a decreased sense of smell, which can lead to loss of appetite.
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Management
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Dogs with rhinitis should be isolated from other animals to prevent the spread of the infection. They should also be allowed plenty of rest in an environment with a vaporizer.
Treatment
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A veterinarian can determine the kind of rhinitis in the dog by performing a mucous culture. Rhinitis can often be treated with antihistamines, such as Benadryl, and antibiotics.
Anti-Fungal Treatment
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Anti-fungal solution, "instilled directly into the nose," is the best treatment for more severe cases of rhinitis, according to vetspecialists.com. The solution is left in the nasal cavity for an hour, and the procedure is performed under an anesthetic (see Resources).
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