Veterinary Rhinoscopy in Scottsdale, AZ
Rhinoscopy is a minimally invasive examination of your pet’s nose, sinuses, and throat. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our specialists use an extremely small, lighted rhinoscope with a camera to diagnose, and often treat, nasal foreign bodies, nasal tumors, fungal disease, polyps, and chronic inflammation of the nasal passages, all without external incisions.
When Rhinoscopy Is Recommended
The nasal cavity is a complex, narrow space that cannot be fully evaluated during a routine exam. Our internal medicine specialists often recommend rhinoscopy for pets with:
- Chronic nasal discharge that is cloudy, colored, or bloody
- Persistent or violent sneezing or reverse sneezing
- Nosebleeds from one or both nostrils
- Noisy breathing, snoring, or open-mouth breathing
- Facial swelling or pain
- A suspected grass awn or other nasal foreign body
Examining the Back of the Nose and Throat
Rhinoscopy includes both a forward examination through the nostrils and a retroflexed view behind the soft palate, where the nasal passages meet the throat. This area is a common hiding place for foreign bodies, polyps, and masses, and it is where postnasal drip from chronic inflammation can be seen. Viewing both regions gives our specialists a complete picture of your pet’s upper airway.
Diagnosing Nasal Tumors and Fungal Disease
Nasal tumors and fungal infections can cause similar signs, including discharge and nosebleeds, especially from one side of the nose. Rhinoscopy allows our specialist to see abnormal tissue directly and collect targeted biopsies and cultures. Accurate diagnosis guides treatment, whether that involves antifungal therapy, oncology care, or options discussed on our cancer surgery page.
Oral Exam and Throat Polyps
While your pet is under anesthesia, our specialist also performs a thorough oral and throat examination. Throat and nasopharyngeal polyps, which are especially common in young cats, can cause noisy breathing, gagging, and discharge. Many polyps can be removed during the procedure, while others may require surgical treatment as described on our upper airway surgical conditions page. Dental disease that extends into the nasal cavity can also be identified.
Watch a Rhinoscopy Procedure
This video shows the view our specialists see during a rhinoscopy as the camera moves through the nasal passages. Because the rhinoscope is so small, it can navigate the delicate nasal structures with minimal trauma. Foreign material like grass awns can often be grasped and removed through the scope, providing immediate relief without surgery.
What to Expect
Rhinoscopy requires general anesthesia, which is typically short and carefully monitored. Advanced imaging may be performed beforehand to map the nasal cavity. Mild sneezing or a small amount of bloody discharge for a day or two afterward is normal. Most pets go home the same day. Pets with coughing in addition to nasal signs may also benefit from bronchoscopy or thoracic radiography. Explore our full range of veterinary services, our endoscopy program, or the conditions we treat.
Veterinary Rhinoscopy FAQs
Is rhinoscopy painful for my pet?
No. Your pet is under general anesthesia, and most pets are comfortable after the procedure with only mild sneezing.
Can rhinoscopy remove a grass awn?
Yes. Grass awns and other foreign material are often located and removed during rhinoscopy.
Is bleeding after rhinoscopy normal?
A small amount of bloody discharge or sneezing for a day or two is normal, especially if biopsies were taken.
What can rhinoscopy diagnose?
Rhinoscopy can identify foreign bodies, polyps, tumors, fungal infections, and chronic inflammatory rhinitis.
Do cats get rhinoscopy?
Yes. Rhinoscopy is commonly used in cats with chronic nasal discharge or suspected nasopharyngeal polyps.
Will my pet go home the same day?
Most pets go home the same day once they have recovered from anesthesia.
When will biopsy results be available?
Biopsy and culture results typically return within several days to a week.
Get Answers for Your Pet’s Nasal Symptoms
Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 or request an appointment online to discuss rhinoscopy for your pet.