upper respiratory SA

What questions should be asked regarding the duration of nasal discharge?

How long has it been going on? Is it acute or chronic?

What are the potential causes of nasal discharge?

Known or obvious causes such as trauma.

What is indicated if unilateral nasal discharge changes to bilateral with epistaxis?

Aspregillosis.

What characteristic of nasal discharge suggests aspergillosis?

Green or bloody discharge.

What type of nasal discharge is associated with chronic rhinitis in cats?

Mucopurulent discharge.

What additional respiratory signs should be assessed with nasal discharge?

Sneezing, coughing, and reverse sneezing.

What does reverse sneezing indicate?

It suggests a nasal passage issue.

What is important to check regarding the cat's health status?

Whether they are still eating and drinking.

What could smelly breath indicate?

Possible dental disease or another underlying issue.

What other clinical signs could indicate aspergillosis?

Neurological signs.

What symmetry should be assessed during the clinical examination of nasal disease?

Facial symmetry.

What should be examined regarding the eyes during clinical examination?

Check if they are normal.

What could cause pain when feeling the face during examination?

Neoplasia.

How can airflow be assessed through the nares?

Use a microscope slide to see if condensation occurs.

Why should dental health be checked when assessing nasal discharge?

Dental disease can extend into the nasal cavity.

What should you look for on the nasal planum?

Depigmentation, ulceration, or growths.

What does depigmentation of the nasal planum suggest?

Aspergillosis.

What are some further investigations for nasal disease?

Rhinoscopy, CT, nasal radiography.

What is nasal flush used for?

To clear debris and obtain samples for histopathology.

What are common differentials for epistaxis?

Neoplasia and aspergillosis.

What is a key diagnostic tool for neoplasia?

Radiography, CT, or rhinoscopy.

What may indicate a need for radiotherapy or surgery?

Diagnosis of neoplasia.

What pathogen is associated with canine kennel cough?

Bordetella bronchiseptica.

How is kennel cough transmitted?

Aerosol and direct transmission between animals.

What are typical clinical signs of kennel cough?

Hacking cough, enlarged lymph nodes, ocular and nasal discharge.

What should be observed if a dog with kennel cough is systemically unwell?

Nasal discharge and pyrexia.

What symptomatic treatments can be given for kennel cough?

Avoid choke chains, clean eyes/nose, and use NSAIDs if pyrexic.

What antibiotic is used if Bordetella bronchiseptica is suspected?

Amoxicillin-clavulanate.

What is the prevention strategy for kennel cough?

Environmental hygiene and vaccination.

What major pathogens cause cat flu?

Feline herpes virus, feline calicivirus, chlamydia felis, mycoplasma felis.

How does feline herpes virus spread?

Close contact.

What are the main clinical signs of feline herpes virus (FHV)?

Ocular ulcers and herpetic dermatitis.

What condition is associated with feline calicivirus (FCV)?

Ulcers on the tongue and floppy kittens.

How is chlamydia felis characterized?

Very swollen conjunctiva, initially unilateral.

What diagnostic tool is used to detect FHV and FCV?

Oral or ocular swabs, PCR for FHV.

What supportive treatments are recommended for cat flu?

Nutrition, steam exposure, appetite stimulation.

What treatment is used for chlamydia felis?

Doxycycline.

What antiviral is used for feline herpes virus?

Famciclovir.

What preventive measures are recommended for cat flu?

Improve hygiene, reduce cat-to-cat contact, and vaccination.

What is a common way to handle FHV-related gingivitis?

Corticosteroids and teeth extraction.

What is a potential consequence of neglecting nose health in cats?

It could lead to serious infections like aspergillosis.

What should always be checked when presenting clinical signs of nasal discharge?

The nature and duration of the discharge.