June 2011 - Buttons Van Staden
Buttons and his Bloody nose!
Buttons is a courageous, 5 year old Jack Russell terrier, who has moved to Devon from South Africa. He was first seen at the beginning of May after suffering from nosebleeds and discharge from his left nostril. When he entered the examination room Buttons was either sneezing or snuffling nearly every time he took a breath. The vet advised that the best course of action would be a nasal endoscopy under general anaesthetic and take samples.
Two weeks later Buttons was booked in for a general anaesthetic so that a rigid endoscope could be used to look inside his nose and take samples. Once under general anaesthetic the endoscope image showed very little in the right nostril apart from some mucus, however the left nostril was very inflamed, had large amounts of pus and mucus and has lost its normal architecture.
Multiple biopsies were taken and sent away to an external laboratory for analysis. In the meantime Buttons was placed on antibiotics, pain relief and anti-inflammatories.
Within three days the results were back. Buttons had ASPERGILLOSIS.
A week later Buttons was anaesthetised again, both nostrils were flushed with:-
- Firstly with povidone-Iodine – An antiseptic solution
- Then saline solution
- Then the anti-fungal medicated liquid, Clotrimazole – This was left in situ for 1 hour, whilst rotating Buttons 360° under general anaesthetic
- And finally saline solution again
What is Aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis is a fungal infection that develops in the nose and sinuses of dogs and cats. It is a very common fungus that is found throughout the environment. Most infections occur in animals that have a poor or deficient immune system, a prior sinus infection, or in animals that have been on prolonged antibiotic therapy or chemotherapy. Aspergillosis can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Early detection and treatment are very important for controlling this potentially damaging disease.
What are the symptoms?
There are three symptoms that are characteristic of Aspergillosis:
- A profuse, clear to opaque discharge from the nostrils that may alternate with episodes of nose bleeding
- Ulcerations on the external part of the nose
- Pain or discomfort in the nose or facial area
Buttons made a very good recovery from the general anaesthetic and went home later that evening.
Three weeks later Buttons and his owner returned in order to be reassessed by the vet, his owner reported that he had been very much better, only occasionally sneezing, with little or no nasal discharge.
Three weeks later Buttons and his owner returned, in order to be reassessed by the vet. His owner reported that he had been very much better, only occasionally sneezing, with little or no nasal discharge. However his nose would need flushing again due to the severity of the Apergillosis.
Later that week, Buttons was admitted for another general anaesthetic to flush his nose, making a good recovery.
Buttons will be re-assessed in 2 weeks time, hopefully this time he will be clear of the fungal infection. Buttons has been incredibly brave during his visits to us, and wags his tail each time he visits and is adored by the staff.
