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Runny noses or nasal discharge is termed chronic if it is present for more than a few weeks, or keeps recurring. The nasal discharge may be watery, mucoid, or purulent (pus), and may contain blood. It is associated with disease in the nasal cavity and adjacent sinuses, although may be seen with lower respiratory tract problems such as pneumonia. What can be done about it?
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What are the causes of chronic nasal discharge?
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There are many causes of chronic nasal discharge in cats, the most common of which is post-viral disease. This follows an episode of 'cat flu' that damages the lining of the nasal cavity. This predisposes the cat to frequent secondary bacterial infection, which can affect the bone and cartilage structures in the nasal cavity. The chronic nasal discharge may also result from persistence of an active viral infection.
Other causes include other infections, such as cryptococcus, tumours, foreign objects in the nasal cavity (such as grass seeds), polyps in the nose and pharynx areas, allergies, and tooth root abscesses.
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How can the cause of the nasal discharge be diagnosed?
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A complete history and thorough physical examination are important in diagnosing the cause of infection. If your cat had flu as a kitten, chronic upper respiratory tract infection ('post-viral rhinitis') is considered.
Cryptococcus, tumours, and tooth root abscesses will often cause facial deformities and swellings.
Treatment may be initiated on the basis of the findings on physical examination. If there is insufficient response, or the nasal discharge recurs, more investigation is warranted. This may include blood tests, sampling of the nasal discharge, and sedation or general anaesthesia for closer examination of the pharynx and upper respiratory tract, and for X-rays of the nasal cavity and sinuses.
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How is chronic nasal discharge treated?
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Chronic upper respiratory tract infection ('post-viral disease') is managed, not cured. It often requires intermittent or continuous antibiotic therapy. Mucolytics are drugs that help to dissolve thick mucus in the nasal cavity and sinuses, and some cats benefit from 'steam therapy'. Placing the cat in a small bathroom and laundry and then running the hot water to create a steamy environment can help to dissolve the nasal discharge. Some severely affected cats respond to cortisone although this can further predispose them to secondary infections. As a last resort, some cats need surgery to remove the fine bones in nasal cavity, so that the signs can be better managed medically.
Other problems require specific treatment, such as tooth extraction for tooth root abscesses, specific antibiotics for cryptococcus, and surgery and chemotherapy for cancer.
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Dr Rebecca Bragg BVSc
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