Oronasal fistulae and rhinitis secondary to chronic periodontitis in a dog

Abstract

Case description: A nine-year-old castrated male Norfolk terrier was examined due to a two-year history of apparent maxillofacial pain and slowly progressive signs of nasal disease. Clinical Findings: The physical examination was unremarkable except for the oral findings, which included abundant dental calculus, generalized gingivitis, and mobility of several teeth. Computed tomography of the head identified areas of maxillary bone resorption, tooth resorption, presumptive oronasal fistulae associated with the maxillary canine teeth, and increased soft tissue/fluid opacity within the nasal cavity. Nasal biopsy revealed chronic suppurative and lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis. Treatment and Outcome: The patient was placed under general anesthesia for intraoral radiography, dental charting, periodontal treatment, multiple dental extractions, and oronasal fistula repair. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (20 mg/kg PO q 12h) was prescribed for ten days. At ten days post-treatment, the patient’s nasal disease had resolved. Clinical Relevance: Periodontitis is a common cause of rhinitis in dogs. Resolution of the rhinitis can be achieved by treating the primary dental disease.