At WTVS, our internal medicine specialists perform rhinoscopy, a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to examine the inside of your pet’s nasal passages and sinuses. This advanced diagnostic tool helps uncover the cause of chronic nasal symptoms such as sneezing, discharge, bleeding, or breathing difficulties.
What to Expect:
Rhinoscopy is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. Using a small, specialized camera called a rhinoscope, our specialist gently examines the nasal cavity and back of the throat in detail. During the procedure, we can collect tissue or fluid samples for laboratory testing or remove foreign material such as grass awns or debris if present.
Why It’s Important:
Rhinoscopy allows direct visualization of the nasal passages, helping identify inflammation, infection, polyps, tumors, foreign objects, or other abnormalities that may not appear on x-ray. The information gained through this procedure is essential for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Referral Procedure:
Because rhinoscopy requires specialized equipment, anesthesia support, and advanced training, it is generally performed by a board-certified internal medicine specialist. Most general practice veterinarians refer patients to our specialist when nasal symptoms persist despite medical treatment or when imaging suggests a more complex underlying problem.
Common reasons for referral include:
- Chronic nasal discharge (especially if bloody or one-sided)
- Persistent sneezing or congestion
- Suspected nasal foreign object (e.g., grass awn)
- Recurrent or non-resolving upper respiratory infections
- Nasal masses, polyps, or tumors
- Unexplained nosebleeds or breathing difficulties
After the Procedure:
Most pets recover quickly from anesthesia and can return home the same day. Mild nasal discharge or sneezing may occur for a short period afterward. Once test results are available, your veterinarian will review the findings with you and discuss the best treatment plan for your pet.