• Rhinoscopy is a very useful procedure for making a diagnosis in rabbits presenting with  rhinitis Rhinitis / sinusitis.
• Rhinoscopy is indicated in cases of unilateral nasal discharges, chronic respiratory disease, suspected nasal foreign bodies and rhinoliths.

Uses

• Evaluation of the nasal passages; rhinitis is a common presentation in rabbits and has multifactorial etiologies.
• Allows irrigation of the nasal cavities, removing excess secretions.
• Identification of masses and permits biopsies to be taken.
• Detection of infection and collection of washings or biopsies for cytology, bacteriology and/or histopathology.
• Removal of foreign bodies.

Advantages

• Can be curative if foreign objects (such as a blade of grass) are detected and removed.
• Exudates, masses, abscesses and foreign bodies can be easily visualized, and biopsy samples can be readily obtained.

Disadvantages

• A deep plane of anesthesia Anesthesia: general is required as well as local analgesia Analgesia.
• In rabbits <2 kg, a 2.7 mm endoscope with its sheath is too large to evaluate deep into the nasal cavity. A 2.7 mm telescope can be used unsheathed and nasal passages irrigated using a syringe but the results are less satisfactory and there is a risk of damaging the telescope if it gets bent.
• The mucosa of the turbinates is fragile and may bleed profusely. Minor bleeding tends to occur frequently.
• Equipment relatively expensive.
• May not be curative, further surgery (surgical rhinotomy), radiation therapy or infusion of medication may be required if a mass or abscess identified.

Alternative techniques

• Radiography Radiography: skull (basic).
• CT imaging Computed tomography.
• Blind flushing, nasal swabs or biopsy.

Time required

Preparation

• 10-15 min for induction of anesthesia Anesthesia: preparation.
• To prevent aspiration of blood or fluids during irrigation: intubate the rabbit and position in sternal recumbency with the head 10-20 degrees lower than the body. Pack the mouth with soft gauze to absorb any fluid as an uncuffed endotracheal tube is normally placed. Place a towel under the rabbit to prevent flooding of the table, floor and to prevent wetting the animal increasing the risk of hypothermia Hypothermia.

Procedure

• 10-20 min.
• Intraoral examination and radiographs should be performed prior to the procedure.

Decision taking

Criteria for choosing test

• Useful to aid in diagnosing and choosing appropriate therapy for rabbits presenting with rhinitis.
• Based on clinician experience and availability of equipment.

Risk assessment

• Some risk of hemorrhage, may bleed profusely at times, especially if the mucosa is inflamed.
• Older rabbits may have systemic disease and other underlying conditions.
• Major complications are typically associated with anesthesia, underlying causes and hypothermia.