Idiopathic lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis (LPR) is a relatively common cause of chronic nasal disease in the dog. The definitive etiology of LPR remains undetermined; however, it is likely a stereotyped chronic inflammatory response to multiple precipitating factors. Inhaled aeroallergens and irritants likely play a primary role in development of this disease. Hypersensitivity to native commensal fungal organisms within the nose also may play a role in some patients. Dolichocephalic and mesaticephalic medium to large breed dogs and Dachshunds are typically affected. Chronic unilateral to bilateral mucoid to mucopurulent nasal discharge is often present, although some dogs may have mucohemorrhagic discharge or epistaxis. Obstruction to airflow through the nose may result from excessive mucous within nasal passages and turbinate mucosal edema. Lymphoplasmacytic inflammation may be present with other chronic nasal diseases (e.g., nasal neoplasia, fungal rhinitis or foreign body rhinitis), therefore it isimperative that these diseases be thoroughly excluded before a diagnosis of idiopathic LPR is entertained.
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