Endogenous rhinolithiasis in a dog: computed tomographic findings, histopathology and surgical removal via a transalveolar approach.

Transalveolar surgery is an effective salvage option when endoscopic rhinolith removal fails in small dogs.

This case report describes a rare endogenous rhinolith in an 8-year-old spayed female Chihuahua presenting with a 7-month history of dyspnoea, stertor, and unilateral right-sided nasal discharge. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) identified a 6.3 × 4.1 × 3.6 mm irregular, mineral-attenuating structure within the right nasal cavity with mild bilateral intranasal fluid accumulation, consistent with rhinolithiasis. Initial endoscopic retrieval failed due to the calculus size relative to the narrow nasal lumen and firm turbinate adhesion. A transalveolar surgical approach, performed following extraction of the right maxillary canine tooth, achieved successful removal. Postoperative CT at 3 and 11 months confirmed complete excision with no evidence of recurrence, and clinical signs resolved. Histopathological examination revealed basophilic mineralised deposits without an identifiable exogenous nidus, confirming an endogenous origin—a particularly uncommon finding in veterinary medicine. Rhinolithiasis, while rare in dogs, should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with chronic unilateral nasal discharge and obstructive respiratory signs. CT was instrumental in characterising the lesion's size, location, and structural relationship prior to intervention, facilitating procedural planning. This case demonstrates that a transalveolar approach represents a viable and effective salvage technique when standard endoscopic retrieval is not feasible, offering clinicians an alternative minimally invasive strategy for managing nasal foreign bodies or calculi in small-breed dogs.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.