[Nasal obstruction: Odontogenic cysts in 4 brachycephalic dogs]

Odontogenic cysts may be of developmental or inflammatory origin. They are frequently observed in brachycephalic dogs. Due to their expansive growth, cysts in the maxilla may extend into the nasal cavity, obstruct the nasal airway and cause nasal discharge. Epithelial cysts may lead to a comparable clinical picture. A new endonasal endoscopic intervention for the removal of these cysts is described.

Four brachycephalic dogs (Boxer, Chihuahua, French bulldog, Pug) with unilateral cysts obstructing the nasal cavity were included in the study. The animals underwent clinical examination, computed tomography (CT) imaging and rhinoscopy examination. Histopathologic evaluation of the cyst wall was performed. In addition to dental surgery and conventional extraction of the involved tooth, the cyst wall was removed by endoscopic intervention via the physiologic nasal opening. Clinical course following treatment was assessed by rhinoscopy and CT.

The main clinical signs were unilateral or bilateral serous to hemorrhagic nasal discharge. Nasal airflow was restricted in all patients. Removal of the cysts and involved teeth did not lead to any intra- and postoperative complications. No recurrence of the cysts was observed. Histologic diagnosis consisted of an epidermoid cyst, a follicular cyst, a radicular cyst, and a canine odontogenic parakeratinized cyst (COPC). Neoplastic transformation was excluded in all cases.

Removal of the cyst wall may be performed by means of minimally invasive endoscopic intervention via the physiologic nasal entrance. The procedure is curative and carries the risk of only few complications. In cases in which treatment is restricted to extraction of the affected tooth, the nasal airway may remain obstructed due to a calcified cyst wall.

In brachycephalic dogs, oronasal defects due to dental pathology are the most common reason for chronic nasal discharge, whereas in normocephalic dogs nasal neoplasia are. Odontogenic cysts carry importance as differential diagnosis of nasal discharge.