MINIMALLY INVASIVE CARE

Rhinoscopy

A minimally invasive endoscopic examination of the nasal passages and upper airways the gold standard for diagnosing nasal disease.

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What is Rhinoscopy?

Rhinoscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to examine the nasal passages and upper airways. The nasal cavity is enclosed in bone and filled with delicate turbinates and narrow, blind-ending channels, which makes abnormalities difficult to detect without direct visualisation.

It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing intranasal disease and allows treatment during the same procedure including removal of foreign bodies such as grass seeds, biopsy of suspicious tissue, laser-assisted procedures and treatment of fungal plaques. It is performed under general anaesthesia and is far less invasive than surgical approaches such as rhinotomy.

Key Benefits

Why this minimally invasive approach is the right choice for your pet.

1

Gold standard

The most reliable method for diagnosing intranasal disease.

2

Removes foreign bodies

Grass seeds and debris are located and removed on the spot.

3

Less invasive than surgery

Lower morbidity and faster recovery than open rhinotomy.

In Detail

A closer look at how this procedure works and what it can diagnose and treat.

Why it is important

Nasal disease is relatively common in both dogs and cats, but diagnosing the underlying cause can be challenging due to the complex anatomy of the nasal cavity.

  • Enclosed within bone
  • Filled with delicate turbinate structures
  • Composed of multiple narrow and blind-ending channels

Why choose rhinoscopy over surgery

Surgical approaches such as dorsal or ventral rhinotomy are significantly more invasive. Rhinoscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing intranasal disease.

  • Minimally invasive – no large surgical incisions
  • Lower morbidity compared to open surgery
  • Direct visualisation of lesions
  • Ability to obtain biopsies safely
  • Faster recovery for the patient

Diagnostic and treatment capabilities

Rhinoscopy allows both diagnosis and treatment during the same procedure.

  • Identify and remove foreign bodies (e.g. grass seeds)
  • Detect inflammation, infection or structural abnormalities
  • Obtain biopsy samples for laboratory analysis
  • Diagnose tumours or fungal infections
  • Removal or debulking of masses and laser-assisted procedures
  • Cleaning and treatment of fungal plaques (e.g. nasal aspergillosis)

Procedure and safety

Rhinoscopy is performed under general anaesthesia to ensure comfort and precision. It is safe, minimally invasive and well tolerated in most patients.

  • A small endoscope is inserted into the nasal passages
  • The nasal cavity and sinuses are carefully examined
  • Biopsies or treatments are performed if required

What to Expect

1

Initial Investigations

We review history and run initial, non-invasive tests and imaging to confirm the procedure is appropriate and safe.

2

General Anaesthesia

Your pet is placed under general anaesthesia and carefully monitored to ensure comfort and safety.

3

Endoscopic Examination

The endoscope is gently introduced and the relevant structures are examined in high detail.

4

Sampling & Treatment

Biopsies or treatment are carried out during the same procedure where needed, and findings are discussed with you.

At a Glance

Anaesthesia

General

Approach

Minimally invasive

Standard

Gold standard

Recovery

Faster than surgery

Common signs

  • Urinary incontinence
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections
  • Blood in the urine (haematuria)
  • Suspected bladder stones or ectopic ureters

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia to ensure your pet’s comfort, safety and a thorough, pain-free examination. It is minimally invasive and well tolerated when performed by experienced clinicians.
As a minimally invasive technique, it avoids the large incisions of traditional surgery, which means less tissue trauma, lower complication rates and a faster recovery. Your specialist will provide aftercare guidance based on the findings.
Contact our team by phone or WhatsApp, or use the Book Consultation button. This procedure is typically arranged as part of a comprehensive diagnostic work-up, often alongside initial tests and imaging.

Ready to book Rhinoscopy?

Speak with our team about your pet’s care and the right diagnostic approach.

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