Microbiology of the canine nasal cavities

The microbiota of both nasal cavities were investigated in 37 dogs by both aerobic and anaerobic techniques. The predominant microorganisms were composed of enterococci and staphylococci. A surprisingly high incidence (46%) of Gram-negative rods was noted from the inferior portion of the nose. Microorganisms from the superior region of the nose, as obtained with a surgical approach, differed both qualitatively and quantitatively from the respective transnasal cultures. Thus, it appears that different bacterial populations are present within various anatomic regions of the nose and a routine transnasal culture cannot accurately reflect the microbiology of the entire nasal cavity.