Published results can be found here.

The purpose of this study is to identify an underlying cause of canine idiopathic rhinitis that will lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies. Based on preliminary data, there appears to be an association between nasal disease (including epistaxis) and bartonellosis. We propose to prospectively determine whether or not dogs with idiopathic rhinitis are more often infected with Bartonella spp. based on testing of serum for antibodies against B. vinsonii and B. henselae and testing of whole blood for all known Bartonella spp. by PCR compared with a control group of dogs without signs associated with bartonellosis. Order or authorship for collaborators in subsequent publications will be based on number of cases submitted and intellectual contribution.

Enrollment criteria:
Cases: Dogs with nasal discharge including epistaxis for which no definitive etiologic agent is identified. Dogs must have undergone a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation including nasal imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or nasal radiographs), rhinoscopy, and nasal biopsy.

Controls: For each case two hospital based controls will be utilized. Age (+/- 18 months) and weight (+/- 10 pounds) matched controls should be selected from dogs presenting to your hospital within the same month as the corresponding case and should not have presented for nasal disease or other abnormalities believed to be associated with bartonellosis including endocarditis, myocarditis, granulomatous disease, hepatitis, thrombocytopenia, polyarthritis, or splenomegaly.

Samples: Whole blood (3-5ml) and serum (1-3ml) and copies of the medical records from both cases and controls will be submitted to the North Carolina State University Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Blood samples will be tested free of charge for the presence of antibodies against Bartonella spp. and the presence of Bartonella DNA utilizing a sensitive and specific PCR test.