Rhinoscopy

A Clear View into Your Pet’s Respiratory Health

Chronic sneezing, nasal discharge, or noisy breathing can be frustrating for both you and your pet.

When standard medications aren’t providing relief, Rhinoscopy offers a minimally invasive way to see exactly what’s happening inside your pet’s nasal passages without the need for major surgery.

Why Choose Our Specialists?

We utilize state-of-the-art Storz endoscopes, providing the highest resolution imaging available in veterinary medicine. By combining rhinoscopy with our on-site advanced imaging (like CT scans), we provide a comprehensive “all-in-one” diagnostic approach to respiratory disease. “Stopping the symptoms starts with finding the cause. Rhinoscopy takes the guesswork out of nasal disease.”

Breathe Easier. Start Today.

Is your pet experiencing symptoms in just one nostril, or have you noticed discharge coming from both sides?

Help your pet breathe comfortably again. Our internal medicine team is ready to help you find answers.

The Patient Journey

♦ General Anesthesia: For the safety and comfort of your pet, rhinoscopy is performed under full anesthesia to ensure they remain perfectly still.
♦ The Exam: We examine both the nasopharynx (the area above the soft palate) and the nasal turbinates (the bony scrolls inside the nose).
♦ Flushing: If needed, we perform a "nasal flush" to clear out mucus and debris, which can provide immediate symptomatic relief.
♦ Recovery: Most pets go home the same afternoon. You may notice mild sneezing or spotting for 24 hours, but recovery is typically very rapid.

What to Expect

♦ Minimally Invasive- Entry through the natural nostrils or the back of the throat, no incisions required.
♦ Biopsy Capability- Small tools can be passed through the scope to take tissue samples for an accurate diagnosis.
♦ Immediate Removal- Foreign objects (like blades of grass) can often be removed during the same session.
♦ Culture Sampling- We can collect deep sterile samples to identify specific bacterial or fungal infections

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Veterinary Rhinoscopy?

Rhinoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a high-definition endoscope (a tiny camera on a thin, flexible or rigid tube) to visualize the internal structures of the nose and throat. It allows our specialists to identify issues that are often invisible on standard X-rays.

When is a Rhinoscopy Recommended?

♦ Chronic Sneezing: Persistent "reverse sneezing" or fits of sneezing.
♦ Nasal Discharge: Ongoing clear, yellow, or bloody discharge from the nostrils.
♦ Foreign Bodies: Suspected inhalation of grass awns, seeds, or "foxtails."
♦ Nasal Masses: Identifying polyps, fungal infections (Aspergillosis), or tumors.
♦ Facial Deformity: Swelling around the bridge of the nose or muzzle.

Why can’t you just do an X-ray instead?

The nasal cavity is filled with intricate, tiny bone scrolls called turbinates. On a standard X-ray, these structures overlap, making it nearly impossible to see small polyps, foreign bodies, or early-stage tumors. Rhinoscopy provides a direct, high-definition "eyes-on" view.

Will my pet feel pain?

Because the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, your pet feels nothing. Afterward, they may feel a sensation similar to having "water up the nose" or mild congestion, but there are no surgical incisions to heal.

Will my pet sneeze blood after the procedure?

It is common to see a small amount of blood-tinged discharge or increased sneezing for 24–48 hours following a rhinoscopy, especially if biopsies were taken. This is normal and typically resolves on its own.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Give us a call at 720-510-7707 Contact us today to learn if a rhinoscopy is the right next step.