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At VSOS, we combine CT imaging and advanced interventional rhinoscopy under a single anaesthetic to diagnose and treat in the same visit, so most dogs wake up breathing easier and faster.
Nasal Problems in Dogs
If your dog has a persistent runny nose, nosebleeds, noisy breathing or a new snore, it’s more than “just a cold”.
VSOS Knows Noses
Dr Karina Graham is our specialist veterinarian that undertook advanced training in interventional rhinoscopy with Professor Gerhard Oechtering, a world leader Otolaryngologist (ENT: Ear, Nose, Throat Veterinary Specialist). She completed this at the Vet Endoscopy Training Centre in Bucharest, Romania. She brings back to Australia techniques and equipment that are more effective, less invasive, and often reduce the need for multiple surgeries or ongoing treatments. This means faster relief, fewer risks, and more time for dogs to get back to their happy, comfortable selves.
1) Nasal fungal infections (Common: Aspergillosis)
Typical signs
- Persistent nasal discharge (often one-sided), sometimes smelly
- Nose pain or rubbing, sneezing, nosebleeds
- Loss of nose pigment in some dogs
- Common in Long-Nose Dogs
What’s happening
Fungal plaques grow inside the nasal passages and can damage delicate structures; small fragments of dead (necrotic) bone may also be present, which is why infections can recur if not fully removed.
Our approach at VSOS
- CT scan to map exactly where the disease sits.
- Rhinoscopy (camera in the nose) under the same anaesthetic.
- High-suction removal of fungal plaques and any loose necrotic bone. This is a key reason our patients tend to do better and relapse less.
- Targeted antifungal therapy as needed.
Benefits
- One visit for diagnosis and treatment
- Immediate relief of the obstruction/discharge in many cases
- Fewer repeat anaesthetics and rechecks compared with staged approaches
2) Nasal cancer (nasal tumours)
Typical signs
- Chronic or bloody nasal discharge, sneezing, facial swelling or deformity, noisy breathing
- Most common in older dogs, any breed
What’s happening
A tumour grows within the nasal cavity and blocks airflow. Traditional pathways often separate diagnosis and treatment into multiple visits, sometimes followed by several weeks of radiation with repeated anaesthetics.
Our approach at VSOS
- CT + rhinoscopy in one anaesthetic to diagnose and de-bulk (remove as much tumour as safely possible) using a specialised high-suction system.
- If bleeding is a concern, we can plan minimally invasive nasal embolisation (via the femoral artery under fluoroscopy) to reduce blood supply to the tumour and enable safer removal on a subsequent session.
- We coordinate follow-up with your vet and discuss whether radiation or re-scoping is advisable for any microscopic “rim” remaining.
Benefits
- Many dogs wake up breathing more comfortably the same day
- Fewer total anaesthetics versus “diagnose now, treat later” pathways
- A tailored plan (de-bulking now, then targeted follow-up) rather than one-size-fits-all
Note: 5% of nasal tumour cases can bleed at a level that we need to pause and reschedule with additional measures (e.g., embolisation). Acting early improves options.
3) Brachycephalic airflow issues - LATE (Laser-Assisted Turbinectomy)
Who this is for
Flat-faced breeds (French/English Bulldogs, Pugs, Bostons, etc.) with ongoing snoring, snorting, poor exercise tolerance or disturbed sleep despite previous BOAS surgery.
What’s happening
BOAS often involves five potential obstruction points: narrow nostrils (stenotic nares), thickened/elongated soft palate, everted laryngeal saccules, a small/wide-walled windpipe (hypoplastic trachea), and aberrant turbinates inside the nose. LATE targets that intranasal component.
Our approach at VSOS
- Endoscopic laser precisely removes obstructive turbinate tissue to create more space and airflow.
- Important: LATE is in addition to, not a replacement for, other BOAS surgeries (e.g., nostril widening, soft palate work). We plan your dog’s care alongside our surgery and anaesthesia teams so the right combination happens at the right time.
Benefits
- Better nasal airflow and quieter sleep
- Often, day-procedure recovery (case-by-case)
- Integrated, multi-disciplinary planning for the whole airway
Why VSOS for dog nose problems?
- One-anesthetic pathway: CT + camera + treatment wherever possible for faster relief and fewer visits.
- Advanced equipment & techniques: High-suction tumour/plaquing removal and fluoroscopy-guided nasal embolisation when bleeding risk is high.
- Specialist training overseas: Dr Karina Graham has undertaken advanced interventional rhinoscopy training in 2024 with a world leader in this field, bringing this internationally leading practice to Sydney.
- Experience: VSOS have been performing LATE procedures for over 6 years and nasal tumours and fungal infections for over 1 year.
- Anaesthesia excellence: Led by a specialist anaesthesiologist, with protocols tailored to brachycephalic and senior patients.
- Collaborative care: We keep your regular vet in the loop and co-manage follow-up.
Book a Nose Consult
If your dog has a runny or bloody nose, noisy breathing or new snoring, don’t wait. Early diagnosis expands your options and improves comfort.
Call VSOS on (02) 8376 8767 or talk to your local Vet to book an appointment.
Always Beyond Possible
At VSOS, we are constantly challenging how veterinary procedures are done. We continually refine our skills, adopt proven innovations, and lead the way in bringing advanced techniques to Australia. It’s part of our promise to go Beyond Possible for pets, their owners, and the referring vets who trust us.
