Diagnosis
Idiopathic LPR is generally a disease of middle-aged to older dogs (Lobetti 2014; Burgener et al. 1987; Windsor et al. 2004) with a predilection for the Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier, and German shepherd dog (Lobetti 2014; Windsor et al.
2004). Common clinical findings are mucoid nasal discharge and stertor and occasionally epistaxis. (Lobetti 2014; Tasker et al. 1999; Windsor et al. 2004). Typical radiographic changes are opacification of the nasal passages with nasal turbinate destruction being uncommon (Lobetti 2014; Burgener et al. 1987; Tasker et al. 1999). Contrast-enhanced CT and MRI show a patchy inflammatory response with either no or mild conchal destruction.Rhinoscopy often shows hyperemic and swollen nasal mucous membranes (Figure 35.1a and Figure 35.1b) and the accumulation of mucoid material within the nasal passages (Lobetti 2014; Tasker et al. 1999); with plaque-like lesions (Lent and Hawkins 1992) and mass-like lesions (Willard and Radlinksy 1999) also reported.
The diagnosis of idiopathic LPR is made on finding a lymphoplasmacytic infiltration within the nasal mucosa on histopathology, absence of fungi and pathogenic bacteria on culture, and resolution of the rhinitis with systemic corticosteroids and/ or cyclosporine therapy, and/or topical corticosteroid therapy, and/or desensitization therapy; without the use of any antibiotic therapy.