Dog with nasal mass and breathing noise treated by dorsal rhinotomy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation, novel surgical approach, and outcome of a dog diagnosed with chondro-osseous respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (COREAH). ANIMAL: 5-year-old castrated male Yorkshire Terrier. CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: The dog was presented with chronic upper respiratory noise, congestion, facial swelling, ocular discharge, and an abscess on the nasal bridge. Two CT scans were performed 4 months apart. The CT scans yielded similar results: cyst-like nasal masses with severely destructive bilateral rhinitis with extensive polyostotic bony lysis. A dorsal rhinotomy with a turbinectomy and debridement of the nasal cavity were performed. A poorly defined but extensive lesion was found occupying the entirety of the left frontal sinus as well as the nasal cavity. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Histopathology revealed a mass consistent with COREAH. The dog recovered well from surgery, except for self-limiting subcutaneous emphysema, and 3 weeks postoperatively was reportedly doing well, with mild nasal discharge. Stridor, nasal discharge, and sneezing episodes were reported postoperatively; however, these were improved. At 18 months postoperatively, the dog died from uncontrolled seizures while hospitalized for suspected acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome at a different hospital. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: COREAH should be considered a potential cause of destructive bilateral rhinitis and bony lysis in dogs. Dorsal rhinotomy can be a surgical treatment for dogs with possible COREAH with acceptable outcome, though complete remission of clinical signs may not be achieved. This is the first clinical description of COREAH in a dog.