Nasal septum deviation is common and an incidental finding.....

Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, 2020

Author

Obi Veterinary Education
August 10, 2025

Samantha Miles, Tobias Schwarz

Background
Nasal septal deviation has been associated with nasal disease in dogs, including neoplasia and rhinitis, but its significance as a normal anatomical variation remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of nasal septal deviation in dogs with and without nasal pathology, and to investigate potential correlations with skull shape indices (facial index, cranial index, and skull index).

Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 233 dogs that underwent computed tomography (CT) of the nasal cavities over a five-year period. The dogs were categorized into three groups: those without nasal pathology (n=135), those with rhinitis (n=35), and those with nasal neoplasia (n=63). The prevalence, angle, maximum distance, and longitudinal extent of nasal septal deviation were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed to assess differences between groups and correlations with skull indices.

Results
Nasal septal deviation was present in 70.4% of dogs without nasal disease, 72.1% of dogs with nasal neoplasia, and 68.6% of dogs with rhinitis, with no significant difference between groups. However, dogs with nasal neoplasia had a significantly greater maximum distance of deviation (mean 2.6 mm) compared to dogs without nasal pathology (1.96 mm, P=0.007). The angle of deviation was positively correlated with increasing facial and skull indices, while the longitudinal extent of deviation was inversely proportional to all skull indices.

Limitations
The study's retrospective nature and selection bias for dogs with nasal disease limit its generalizability. The absence of clinical correlations and potential observer bias in measuring skull indices are additional constraints.

Conclusions
Nasal septal deviation is a common anatomical variation in dogs and is not necessarily indicative of nasal pathology. Greater septal deviation may occur in cases of nasal neoplasia due to mass effect, but the deviation itself is not predictive of disease. Brachycephalic dogs exhibit a greater angle of septal deviation, which may warrant further investigation into its potential role in brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

A 7 year old male intact Labrador Retriever. Transverse computed tomographic images of the nasal cavity in a dog without nasal pathology at the level of maximum deviation (maxillary premolar 4). The cartilaginous septum is deviated to the left. A, The maximum distance of deviation was measured as shown with the horizontal segment horizontal to the hard palate and the vertical segment was placed perpendicular to the hard palate at the midline where normal nasal septum should lie. B, The angle of deviation was measured as shown from the angle off the midline (slice thickness = 2 mm, window = 2500, level = 500)

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