PG . 36
AQHA HORSE HEALTH
it is the migration through the lung tissue that does the damage .
SINUSES In all horses , the sinuses are a common source of nasal discharge – and the most common sign of sinusitis ( either primary or secondary ) is nasal discharge .
The paranasal sinuses in the horse .
Courtesy of MSD veterinary manual Bonnie R . Rush and Mal Hoover
The discharge usually occurs on the side of the affected sinus ( unilateral ). A bilateral discharge is rare unless sinuses on both sides of the head are involved . The appearance and nature of the discharge varies but is typically clear-to-yellow and may contain pus or blood , with or without an odour . Primary sinusitis is usually bacterial and in cases where veterinary diagnosis and treatment is delayed , primary sinusitis easily progresses to chronic osteitis ( bone infection ), destruction of soft tissue and bone , and deep-seated abscesses . In secondary sinusitis , the most common underlying causes are dental disease followed by sinus cysts . In horses under 5 years of age , the sinuses are largely filled with embedded parts of the third to sixth cheek teeth and any disease in these teeth can progress into the sinuses . In young Welsh mountain and smaller breed ponies , the reserve tooth crowns can project further into the sinus cavities and cause firm , painless , bilateral swellings in the nasal bones that should not be confused with injuries or disease . Deciduous caps can make their way into nasal cavities , causing purulent , unilateral discharge .
Horses with Cushing ’ s disease and some adrenal tumours seem to be predisposed to sinusitis and secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism can produce swellings and nasal discharge . A veterinary examination will help differentiate sinus diseases from diseases of the nasal passages or guttural pouches . A nasal discharge may be of little importance – or it could be an important , early sign of a problem somewhere in the respiratory tract . Finding the source and cause of a nasal discharge may require a range of laboratory tests , examinations and imaging techniques .
This set of diagnostics may sound complicated for a simple ‘ snotty ’ nose , but some of the causes of nasal discharge are not simple problems . Although a nasal discharge is rarely missed , without a diagnosis and proper imaging , significant underlying diseases can easily be missed . Most routine respiratory cases resolve with minimal treatment and no permanent damage . With others , it ’ s a mistake to take them lightly and timely veterinary intervention is needed for the best outcome .
DISCLAIMER : © Jenquine © JULY 2022 All content provided in this editorial is for general use and information only and does not constitute advice or a veterinary opinion . It is not intended as specific medical advice or opinion and should not be relied on in place of consultation with your equine veterinarian .
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