Endoscopic laser therapy shows promise for treating nasal polyps in dogs – new study findings

Diagnosis and outcome of nasal polyposis in 23 dogs treated medically or by endoscopic debridemen

Enrico Bottero, Emanuele Mussi, Fabiano Raponi, Davide De Lorenzi, Pietro Ruggiero

Background
Canine nasal polyps are uncommon and often present with clinical signs similar to nasal neoplasia, such as sneezing, nasal discharge, and stertor. Diagnosis requires imaging, endoscopy, and histopathology. In humans, treatment is mainly conservative with surgery reserved for recurrences. In dogs, surgical rhinotomy has been described but is associated with complications and recurrence. Endoscopic treatment had not previously been reported. This study aimed to describe clinical, diagnostic, and pathological features of canine nasal polyps and evaluate outcomes of medical, endoscopic, and surgical treatments.

Methods
A retrospective review of the Endovet multicenter veterinary endoscopy database (2010–2018) identified 23 dogs with histologically confirmed nasal polyposis. Clinical signs, imaging findings, treatments, and outcomes were recorded. Treatments included medical therapy (oral or inhaled corticosteroids), endoscopic debulking with diode laser and forceps, surgical rhinotomy, or no treatment. Follow-up was obtained for at least 24 months via telephone interviews, with relapse confirmed by endoscopy and biopsy when possible.

Results
Clinical signs included sneezing (91%), nasal discharge (83%), stertor (74%), and frontonasal deformation (17%). Radiography and CT often revealed turbinate lysis, bone erosion, or radiopacity similar to neoplasia. Endoscopy showed characteristic smooth, pink, elastic polypoid tissue.

-Medical treatment (n=10): Most dogs relapsed within 6–7 months; one dog remained asymptomatic.

-Endoscopic debulking (n=10): Procedure was safe; 5 dogs remained asymptomatic for ≥24 months, with recurrences managed by repeat laser debulking.

-Surgical rhinotomy (n=1): One dog had no recurrence after 89 months.

-No treatment (n=2): Both dogs were euthanized within 6 months due to disease progression or comorbidities.

Limitations
The retrospective design limited standardization of diagnostic and treatment protocols. Small sample size, incomplete data for some cases, and procedures performed by different operators may have influenced outcomes. Lack of statistical analysis restricted comparison between treatment groups.

Conclusions
Canine nasal polyposis mimics nasal neoplasia clinically and radiographically but shows distinctive endoscopic features. Steroid therapy alone was generally ineffective. Endoscopic debulking with diode laser and forceps was safe, reduced clinical signs, and delayed recurrence, making it a valuable therapeutic option. Surgical therapy may be required in aggressive cases. Prospective studies are needed to refine treatment strategies and clarify the role of steroids in maintenance therapy.

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