Computerized tomography of canine nasal cavity and paranassal sinuses tumours

The computerized tomography (CT) images of 8 dogs (7 males, I female), of different breeds, and ages ranging from 4 to 12 years, were analysed regarding the extension of tumours arising from the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. All dogs were placed on sternal recumbency, and transversal CT sections of 2 mm width at 2 turn intervals were obtained from the nose to the caudal aspect of the frontal sinuses in some cases, and to the occipital region in other cases. Common general findings were the presence of abundant, soft tissue density material in the nasal cavity and/or sinuses accompanied by severe destruction of ethmoidal ethmoturbinates. The more severely affected dogs showed destruction of the nasal septus, frontal sinuses and cribiform lamina of the etmoidal bone. In general, the frontal sinuses were filled by soft tissue density material whereas lysis of their walls was less frequently observed. In several cases, involvement of orbital structures was also noted. The CT exam was especially valuable in dogs showing chronic nasal discharge, exophtalmos, central blindness or neurological signs due to involvement of the rostral aspects of the encephalon.