27 Mar Oronasal Fistulas in Dogs: What They Are & How We Fix Them
Have you ever heard of an oronasal fistula (ONF)? If not, don’t worry—you’re not alone! While the term sounds complicated, the condition itself is fairly common in dogs, especially those with advanced dental disease. Let’s break it down in an easy-to-understand way and talk about how we treat oronasal fistulas in dogs.
What Is an Oronasal Fistula?
Simply put, a fistula is an abnormal opening between two areas that shouldn’t be connected—kind of like a hole in a wall that lets you see into the next room. In the case of an oronasal fistula, this hole forms between a dog’s mouth (oral cavity) and nasal passages.
Normally, the mouth and nose are separated by a layer of bone and soft tissue. But when that barrier is damaged—whether from dental disease, trauma, or other causes—a hole (fistula) can form, allowing food, water, and even air to pass between the mouth and nose. This can lead to sneezing, nasal discharge, and discomfort.
What Causes Oronasal Fistulas?
The most common culprit? Periodontal disease. Over time, untreated dental disease can weaken and destroy the supporting tissues around the teeth, eventually creating an opening between the mouth and nose. This is especially common around the upper canine (fang) teeth, but it can happen elsewhere, too.
Other causes include:
- Trauma (such as getting hit by a car or bitten by another dog)
- Aggressive oral cancers that break down tissue and bone
- Tooth extractions, especially if the surrounding bone is already weak from disease
How Do I Know if My Dog Has an Oronasal Fistula?
Some oronasal fistulas in dogs are large enough to be spotted during a routine exam, but many are only found with a thorough dental evaluation under anesthesia. Common signs that might indicate a fistula include:
- Chronic nasal discharge (especially from one nostril)
- Frequent sneezing
- Signs of dental disease (bad breath, loose teeth, swollen gums)
How Are Oronasal Fistulas Treated?
Surgery is the only way to properly close an oronasal fistula. Think of it like patching a hole in a wall! During the procedure, we create a flap from nearby oral tissue and carefully suture it over the opening to restore the natural separation between the mouth and nose.
If the fistula is linked to a damaged tooth, we remove the tooth and close the site to prevent further issues. Recovery is similar to that of a tooth extraction—your dog will need soft food and no hard chewing for about two weeks while the site heals.
Final Thoughts
Oronasal fistulas may sound scary, but with early detection and proper treatment, your dog can return to a happy, healthy life! If you notice signs of dental disease or nasal issues in your pup, don’t wait—schedule a visit with Animal Dental Specialists to ensure their comfort and well-being.
Got questions about your dog’s dental health? We’re here to help!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (03/27/2025) Image by Pexels from Pixabay