Alfie’s Smile: How Dental Disease Was the Hidden Cause of His Nasal Trouble

Meet Alfie – a sweet older pup who recently came to Davies Veterinary Specialists with a persistent nasal discharge that had been troubling him for some time. After advanced imaging and assessment, the cause was uncovered: Alfie had an oronasal fistula, a condition where a hole forms between the mouth and nasal cavity, often due to severe dental disease.

A Hidden Culprit: Dental Disease

Dental disease is one of the most common – and often overlooked – causes of chronic nasal issues in dogs. In Alfie’s case, the upper left canine tooth had deteriorated so badly that it had created a direct passage into his nasal cavity. This kind of fistula can lead to sneezing, nasal discharge, and discomfort, and it requires specialist surgical repair.

Rob Davis, our dentistry and oral surgery clinician, explains:

“This was a chronic nasal discharge case. It’s a great example of how dental disease can masquerade as a nasal problem.”

Alfie’s Treatment Journey

Under general anaesthesia, Alfie underwent a full oral examination and dental radiographs. Several teeth were found to be affected by advanced periodontal disease and were extracted. The oronasal fistula was carefully cleaned and closed using a tension-free flap technique to ensure proper healing.

Rob also removed a small pigmented mass from Alfie’s lip, which has been sent for histopathology. The rest of Alfie’s teeth were scaled and polished, and he was discharged with pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication.

What Alfie’s Family Had to Say

Alfie’s owners were thrilled with the care he received:

“We were so happy with our treatment there – Rob explained thoroughly what was going to happen and was great with our pup – would recommend!”

They’ve kindly given us permission to share Alfie’s story and photos – and we couldn’t be more grateful. He’s a very cute boy, and we’re so pleased to have helped him feel better.

What Can We Learn?

Alfie’s case is a powerful reminder that dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth – it can have far-reaching consequences, including nasal problems, pain, and infection. Regular dental check-ups and early intervention are key to preventing complications like oronasal fistulas.

If your pet has unexplained nasal discharge, don’t forget to consider their teeth – and if you’re ever in doubt, our dentistry team is here to help