Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes in the dog’s sinuses. The air-filled cavities in the skull swell up, become blocked and cause pain to the dog, especially if mucus accumulates additionally.

What happens with sinusitis?

Your dog’s sinuses are normally freely ventilated. In case of inflammation, the mucous membrane swells and blocks the connecting passages to the nose. Mucus builds up, bacteria multiply in the warm, moist environment. The result: dull headaches and difficulty breathing through the nose.

The cause is decisive for the course. A bacterial infection after kennel cough clears up within days with antibiotics. An inhaled grass seed, on the other hand, remains a problem until the vet removes it endoscopically.

How do you recognise sinusitis in dogs?

Nasal discharge is the clearest sign. It often starts clear and turns yellow or green with bacterial involvement. Your dog sneezes more frequently, breathes noisily through the mouth or rubs its snout on furniture.

In advanced cases, the face swells, usually on one side if only one sinus is affected. Some dogs refuse hard food because chewing causes pain in the upper jaw. A foul smell from the nose indicates dead tissue or dental problems.

What causes are behind it?

Bacterial infections usually arise as a consequence of other diseases. After a cold or with poorly cared-for teeth, germs migrate into the sinuses. The upper molars are in direct contact with the maxillary sinuses; deep caries can break through directly.

Fungal infections by Aspergillus affect dogs with weakened immune systems more often. They are more stubborn than bacterial inflammations and return without consistent treatment. Allergies to pollen or house dust mites trigger chronic mucous membrane inflammation; here, sinusitis is only a symptom of the larger problem.

Foreign bodies such as grass seeds or small twigs cause one-sided complaints. The body tries to encapsulate the intruding material through inflammation, without success as long as the foreign body is not removed.

How is sinusitis diagnosed?

Your vet first palpates the head and snout to find painful areas. X-rays show blocked sinuses as milky shadows; healthy cavities appear black like air.

An endoscopy through the nose provides a direct view of inflammation or foreign bodies. At the same time, the vet can take tissue samples for laboratory examination. If fungal infection or resistant bacteria are suspected, a culture shows which medications really help.

Which treatment helps?

Antibiotics usually combat bacterial infections within a week. It is essential to take the full course over 10–14 days, even if symptoms disappear earlier. In the case of fungal infections, treatment with antifungals lasts several months.

If a tooth infection is the underlying cause, the affected tooth must be removed. This eliminates the source of inflammation and prevents relapses. Foreign bodies are removed endoscopically or surgically; the earlier this is done, the less tissue damage has already occurred.

Corticosteroids reduce acute swelling quickly but carry side effects with prolonged use. Painkillers make it easier for the dog during the time until healing. Inhalations with saline solution loosen thick mucus, providing simple support to drug therapy.

What are the chances of recovery?

Acute sinusitis usually heals completely with proper treatment. Chronic cases in allergic dogs can be well controlled but require long-term management. Fungal infections have a good prognosis if therapy is carried out consistently; relapses are usually caused by stopping treatment too early.