Rare complex fistulations of frontal sinus, occulo‐nasal and oro‐nasal passages due to nasal form of canine transmissible venereal tumour

Abstract

Unusual manifestations in commonly occurring diseases often mislead the diagnostic approaches of general veterinary practitioners. A 2.5‐year‐old male Spitz dog was evaluated for frequent episodes of nasal discharges. With no resolution of signs with treatments, the dog was brought to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital. On presentation, the dog had purulent nasal discharge from the right nostrils, right eye and from an opening in the right frontal sinus region along with mild swelling on the right nasal region and stertor. Anterior rhinoscopy confirmed the concurrent presence of frontal sinus, oculo‐nasal and oro‐nasal fistula. Endoscopic aspirations and washing confirmed an extra genital form of canine transmissible venereal tumour. Interestingly no genital lesions were seen. Treatment with vincristine resulted in complete remission with no further relapses over the last 8 years. Chronic nasal signs should be taken as warning signs and nasal washings should be evaluated for possible tumour cells, as observed in this study.