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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.