Sinonasal aspergillosis in Dogs

Category: Airway & Lung
Breeds documented: 4
Published sources: 5

Overview

Fungal growth inside the nose and sinuses can cause lasting inflammation and damage delicate nasal bones. This infection is called sinonasal aspergillosis and is usually caused by a fungus named Aspergillus fumigatus. Fungal patches may form on the nasal lining and trigger discharge, sneezing, and pain. Many affected dogs are otherwise healthy.

Signs to watch for

Thick nasal discharge, sometimes mixed with blood
Nosebleeds
Sneezing
A painful nose
Sores around the nostrils

A Japanese referral study reported affected dogs aged 5 to 15 years.

When to get help Arrange a vet visit for nasal discharge, nosebleeds, or nasal pain.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets combine imaging of the nose and sinuses with rhinoscopy, a camera examination inside the nose. They look for fungal patches and examine samples for evidence of infection. Growing Aspergillus from a nasal sample alone is not enough, because healthy dogs can also carry the fungus.

Breeds with documented risk

4 breeds

By breed size

4 Large

Labrador RetrieverLarge · Sporting Group
Golden RetrieverLarge · Sporting Group
RottweilerLarge · Working Group
BeauceronLarge · Herding Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.