Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Detecting small oronasal fistulas in dogs with fluorescent water test
By Ogawa, Masao et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary dentistry·2025·Amica Pet Clinic, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Detection of Oronasal Fistula Using a Fluorescent Water Passing Test.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 25 dogs with dental issues underwent a special test to check for oronasal fistulas (ONFs), which are abnormal connections between the mouth and nose. The test involved injecting a fluorescent dye into the gums and then looking for any discharge from the nose. Out of the dogs showing symptoms, 12 tested positive for ONFs, while 3 asymptomatic dogs also had positive results. This method improved the ability to detect small fistulas that might be missed during regular examinations, helping veterinarians diagnose and treat these conditions more effectively.
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Abstract
The confirmation of a connection between the oral and nasal cavities provides a definitive diagnosis for an oronasal fistula (ONF). However, visual detection is difficult in patients with small fistulas. This study examined whether fluorescein sodium could be used to detect small ONFs. The study included 25 dogs that underwent dental examination and had confirmed periodontal pockets at the Amica Pet Clinic, Japan, between 2020 and 2022. Saline containing fluorescein sodium was injected into the periodontal pocket, termed a fluorescent "water-passing test," followed by detection of fluid discharge from the external naris using an examination light. Of the 25 dogs, 13 showed symptoms consistent with an ONF and of these, 12 were positive and one was negative on the fluorescent water-passing test. Of the 12 asymptomatic dogs, 3 tested positive and 9 tested negative on the fluorescent water-passing test. The fluorescent water-passing test enhanced visibility and facilitated the detection of small volumes of the discharged fluid. The results of this study confirmed the fluorescent water-passing test was useful for the detection of small ONFs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39544077/