Rhinostomy as Surgical Treatment of Odontogenic Rhinitis in Three Pet Rabbits

Disease of the upper airways, specifically chronic rhinitis, is common in pet rabbits and is particularly debilitating in this obligate nasal-breathing species. Cases of chronic rhinitis can be mild to severe (empyema of the nasal cavities). Surgical therapy requires a thorough understanding of upper respiratory anatomy of the rabbit and is an option for chronic rhinitis cases nonresponsive to medical therapy. Diagnostic imaging aids in diagnosing the extent of the disease process and guides the surgical approach. The author reports 3 cases of surgical treatment of rabbit patients diagnosed with chronic rhinitis and empyema of the nasal cavities following advanced or end-stage dental disease.