Treatment of canine mycotic rhinosinusitis is challenging, with many different techniques currently being used in general practice and referral centres. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the technique described by Sissener and others (2006), which combines irrigation and depot therapy using 1% clotrimazole solution and cream.

Cases that fulfilled at least two of the four clinical criteria used to diagnose nasal aspergillosis and that presented to the QVSH, University of Cambridge, over a seven-year period were included in this study. The data extracted from the case records were: patient signalment, clinical signs, results of imaging, serology and culture. Follow-up data were also obtained via an owner questionnaire.

Twenty-four cases were identified which fulfilled the inclusion criteria and had complete follow-up data. The dogs represented seventeen different breeds, the mean age of presentation was 60 months and 74% of cases were male. A protocol involving trephining both frontal sinuses irrigating using 1% clotrimazole solution over 10 minutes and instilling 1% clotrimazole cream as a depot therapy was used. Results show that there was a 58% success rate with one treatment, 75% success rate with two treatments, an 88% success rate with three treatments and 100% success rate with four treatments (success being determined by complete or moderate resolution of clinical signs). 62.5% of owners reported complete resolution of clinical signs and the remaining 37.5% reported moderate improvement on the follow-up questionnaire. 92% (22/24) of owners were completely satisfied, 4% (1/24) were partially satisfied and 4% were dissatisfied with the surgical treatment that their dog received.

In contrast to other comparable papers which reported 86% (Sissener 2006) and 70% (Sharman 2010) cure rates after a single treatment, this study demonstrated that 58% of cases showed complete resolution after a single treatment, but with repeat treatment the rate of resolution increased to 75%, 88% and 100% after two, three and four treatments respectively. Owner satisfaction with the treatment given was high, with 83% being completely satisfied. This could be improved by thorough explanation of the treatment and expectation of results before initiating the treatment.