Imagine being diagnosed with a life-threatening condition like cancer, but only finding out it is too late to treat. It’s a tough pill to swallow. Now, imagine if you had known earlier. What if there had been a window of opportunity to intervene, to treat, and to extend your life? Wouldn’t you want that chance?
This is the reality for many pets with chronic nasal discharge. Too often, we’re missing the critical window where treatment could make a difference.
The Problem: Catching Illness Too Late
At The COVE, 90% of dogs CT scanned for nasal issues ultimately face end-of-life decisions because their condition is caught too late. These pets—and their owners—are desperate to find solutions, yet their options are limited due to late detection. Chronic nasal discharge is often misdiagnosed as a mild issue, such as an upper respiratory infection, and treated conservatively with antibiotics or other therapies. Unfortunately, 80% of chronic nasal discharge in dogs is due to cancer, and by the time we recognize this, the opportunity for meaningful intervention has passed.
Rethinking Our Approach
True expertise in veterinary care isn’t just about reacting to symptoms; it’s about being proactive. If a case of chronic nasal discharge doesn’t respond to standard upper respiratory therapies, it’s time for early intervention with a CT scan. Think of it as catching a leak in a pipe before it bursts and floods the house. Early detection through CT scans provides the opportunity for:
-
Accurate diagnosis
-
Early treatment
-
Improved quality of life
-
Prolonged life expectancy
When to Recommend a CT Scan
Here are some key indications for CT scans in primary care:
-
Nasal/sinus disease: Sinusitis, tumors, rhinitis, neoplasia
-
Lameness investigation: Elbows, shoulders, carpi, tarsi, angular limb deformities
-
Musculoskeletal soft tissue tumors: Surgical and radiation planning
-
Middle/inner ear evaluation: Lesions, polyps, infections
-
Elbows: MCP fragment diagnosis
-
Lumbosacral disc herniation/degeneration
-
Neoplasia evaluation and treatment planning
-
Thoracic metastasis checks: More sensitive than radiographs
-
Abdominal mass investigation
-
Brain scans: Visualization of brain tumors and trauma
-
Ureter evaluation: Diagnosis of ectopic ureters and stones
-
Vascular anomalies: Portosystemic shunts
Leverage The COVE Outpatient Imaging Center
Don’t let chronic nasal discharge cases pend indefinitely. If standard therapies fail, order a CT scan. The earlier we intervene, the better the chances we have to extend not just the life of a pet, but also the quality of that life. Let’s give our patients and their owners the fighting chance they deserve.
If you’re in the Waukesha, WI area, leverage our outpatient imaging center to get answers quickly. Every scan at COVE is interpreted by a board-certified specialist, ensuring precision and accuracy.
- Routine reports are delivered within 24 hours.
- STAT cases are prioritized and delivered within 3-6 hours.
This fast turnaround empowers you to make informed decisions quickly and efficiently, improving outcomes for your patients.
Ready to experience the future of outpatient imaging? Contact us today to schedule your CT scan and let us take care of the rest.