Dog Nasal Aspergillosis Diagnosis and Treatment

Nasal aspergillosis is a painful fungal infection of the nasal passages requiring specialized diagnosis and treatment to achieve remission.

Key Facts

Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common causative organism of nasal aspergillosis in dogs
Dolichocephalic (long-nosed) breeds including Collies and German Shepherds are predisposed
Signs include chronic nasal discharge, nosebleeds, facial pain, and nasal depigmentation
Rhinoscopy reveals fungal plaques destroying the delicate nasal turbinate bones
Diagnosis requires rhinoscopy, CT imaging, and Aspergillus serology or PCR
Topical clotrimazole infusion through nasal catheters has cure rates of 65-85% but requires general anesthesia
Oral voriconazole is an alternative for cases where topical treatment is not possible

Welfare Considerations

Nasal aspergillosis causes chronic facial pain, pressure, and discharge that substantially reduces quality of life. Dogs lose their primary sense - smell - as infection destroys nasal architecture. The chronic nature of the infection and the invasive diagnostic process add to welfare burden. Successful treatment dramatically improves comfort and quality of life.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary evaluation for any dog with chronic unilateral nasal discharge or nosebleeds
Request rhinoscopy and CT imaging for definitive diagnosis - basic x-rays are insufficient
Consult a veterinary internist or specialist experienced with topical infusion techniques
Monitor for treatment response over 4-8 weeks after clotrimazole infusion
Provide pain management during the diagnostic and treatment period