Nasal & Sinus Disorders in Dogs & Cats
Chronic sneezing, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing can signal conditions ranging from stubborn infections to nasal tumors. Because the nasal passages and sinuses are surrounded by thin bone and air-filled spaces, standard X-rays often lack the detail needed for a definitive diagnosis.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), our 128-slice CT scanner produces high-resolution cross-sectional images of the nasal cavity, sinuses, and surrounding structures — giving your veterinarian a clear view of what's happening inside. CT is widely considered the imaging modality of choice for nasal and sinus disease in dogs and cats, revealing the location, extent, and nature of the problem with precision that guides effective treatment.
SVI offers advanced CT imaging at our centers in Round Rock, Texas; Spring, Texas; and Sandy, Utah.
Common Nasal & Sinus Problems We Diagnose
Nasal and sinus conditions in dogs and cats can be frustrating to diagnose with physical exams alone. Many share overlapping symptoms — sneezing, discharge, facial swelling — but require very different treatments. Below are the conditions our team most often helps identify with CT imaging.
Nasal & Sinus Tumors
Nasal tumors account for a significant portion of chronic nasal disease in dogs, particularly in older, medium-to-large breed dogs. Symptoms often mimic infections — unilateral nasal discharge, sneezing, and occasional nosebleeds — and may progress slowly. CT imaging reveals the size, location, and extent of the mass, including whether it has invaded bone or extended into the brain. This information is essential for staging, radiation therapy planning, and determining prognosis.
Learn more about nasal tumors →Fungal Infections (Aspergillosis)
Aspergillosis is one of the most common fungal infections affecting the nasal passages of dogs, particularly dolichocephalic (long-nosed) breeds. It causes destruction of the nasal turbinates — the delicate scroll-like bones inside the nose — and produces profuse, often bloody, unilateral nasal discharge. CT is the diagnostic gold standard because it clearly shows turbinate destruction, fungal plaque accumulation, and frontal sinus involvement, all of which guide treatment decisions including topical antifungal infusion therapy.
Learn more about fungal rhinitis →Chronic Rhinitis & Inflammatory Disease
When sneezing and nasal discharge persist for weeks or months without a clear cause, chronic inflammatory rhinitis is often to blame. While this is largely a diagnosis of exclusion, CT plays a critical role by ruling out tumors, fungal infections, and foreign bodies — all of which can mimic chronic rhinitis. CT also reveals the pattern and distribution of mucosal thickening and turbinate changes, helping veterinarians narrow their differential and decide whether rhinoscopy or biopsy is needed.
Learn more about chronic rhinitis →Nasal Foreign Bodies
Dogs that suddenly develop violent sneezing, pawing at their nose, or acute unilateral nasal discharge may have inhaled a foreign object. Grass awns and foxtails are common culprits, especially in outdoor and sporting dogs. While small foreign bodies can be difficult to visualize directly, CT imaging can reveal secondary signs such as localized soft-tissue swelling, focal turbinate disruption, or trapped fluid that pinpoints the location and helps guide rhinoscopic retrieval.
Learn more about nasal foreign bodies →Frontal Sinus Disease
The frontal sinuses sit above the eyes and connect to the nasal passages through small openings. When these openings become blocked by inflammation, infection, or masses, fluid accumulates and pressure builds. Pets may show facial swelling, pain over the forehead, or worsening nasal signs. CT provides a detailed view of the sinus architecture, the nature and extent of fluid or soft-tissue filling, and whether the sinus walls have been compromised, all of which guide surgical or medical management.
Learn more about frontal sinus disease →Breeds Commonly Affected
Nasal and sinus conditions affect all breeds, but certain breeds carry higher risk. Dolichocephalic (long-nosed) breeds like German Shepherds, Collies, and Greyhounds are predisposed to nasal aspergillosis. Nasal tumors are more common in medium-to-large breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Airedale Terriers, and typically affect dogs over 8 years of age. Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persians) have unique nasal anatomy that makes airflow-related issues and secondary infections more common.
How CT Imaging Helps
CT is the imaging modality of choice for nasal and sinus disease because it provides exquisite bone detail and clear visualization of air-filled spaces — two things that X-rays and MRI handle less effectively in this region. Our 128-slice CT scanner captures the entire nasal cavity in seconds, producing sub-millimeter cross-sectional images that your veterinarian can use to see exactly what's going on.
Each study is reviewed by our board-certified veterinary radiologists, who provide a detailed report and work directly with your veterinarian to plan the most appropriate next steps — whether that's rhinoscopy, biopsy, antifungal treatment, surgery, or radiation therapy.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Nasal CT scans are fast — the actual image acquisition typically takes less than 5 minutes. Your pet will be placed under brief general anesthesia to ensure they remain still and positioned correctly. The entire visit, including preparation, scan, and recovery, usually takes about an hour. Most pets are ready to go home the same day.
Results are interpreted by a board-certified veterinary radiologist, and your veterinarian typically receives a detailed report the same day, often within hours.
Learn more about veterinary CT at Sage →Why Choose Sage Veterinary Imaging
Get Answers for Your Pet
If your pet has chronic sneezing, nasal discharge, nosebleeds, or facial swelling that hasn't resolved with initial treatment, advanced CT imaging can reveal what's really going on and help your veterinarian plan the most effective approach.
Schedule a Diagnostic CT Scan
Visit one of our three locations to learn more and schedule your pet's imaging study. Our team will work directly with your veterinarian to ensure the right study is performed.
Nasal & Sinus Imaging FAQ
Ready to Get Answers?
Advanced CT imaging can reveal the cause of your pet's nasal symptoms and help your veterinarian plan targeted treatment. Visit one of our locations to get started.