Clinical manifestation and treatment of oronasal fistula in dogs (clinical case)

Acquired oronasal fistula (ONF) is an abnormal communication between the oral and nasal cavities caused by trauma or periodontal disease. According to literature, ONF is one of the most common pathologies of the oral cavity in dogs, the prevalence of which is 3.1%. This article presents a clinical case of eliminating an oronasal fistula in a dachshund dog, during the treatment of which a complication arose - a violation of the integrity of the sutures and the formation of a new fistula, which required reoperation. The purpose of the study is to show the complications of this pathology and methods of their treatment, which arose due to insufficient compliance, using the example of a clinical case of oronasal fistula in a dachshund dog. A 10-year-old male dachshund was admitted to the Dentalvet veterinary clinic (Moscow) for a dental examination. The owners complained of frequent sneezing, rhinitis, rubbing the muzzle with the paws, halitosis, decreased appetite and activity of the dog. Examination of the oral cavity revealed a significant amount of tartar, signs of periodontitis of several teeth and an oronasal fistula in the area of tooth 204. A comprehensive dental examination and treatment were performed under general anesthesia, the results of which were entered into the dental chart. Changes in the color and texture of the gums, edema and hyperemia, increased bleeding on probing, the presence of recessions, and an oronasal fistula in the area of tooth 204 were revealed. A series of intraoral radiographs, oral cavity sanitation, extraction of diseased teeth, and oronasal cystotomy in the area of tooth 204 using a single-layer flap were performed. On the 7^th day after the operation, during the examination of the oral cavity, a violation of the integrity of the sutures in the area of the extracted tooth 204 was found, as a result of the owner's failure to comply with postoperative recommendations. A wound revision with soft tissue plastic surgery and repeated oronasal cystotomy was performed. After 14 days, an examination revealed complete tissue regeneration without signs of inflammation. Oronasal fistula is a significant and common dental pathology in dogs. This disease requires a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. An important condition for a successful treatment outcome is strict adherence by animal owners to recommendations for postoperative treatment and care. Failure to comply with these recommendations by owners may lead to complications, in particular, disruption of the integrity of the sutures and reoperation. To prevent low compliance, it is necessary to first explain to owners the benefits of following medical recommendations and the consequences of violating their implementation.

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