Chronic Rhinitis

My old boy, nearly 11, has chronic rhinitis with no successful treatment to date. X-rays, fungal swabs (unidentifiable), Nadal sweep, biopsy (no tumour thank god). Have tried antihistamines, anti inflammatories, anti fungal meds, grain free diet, turmeric paste, cerenia drops in nose, homeopathic drops and nothing works!
While he seems mostly ok otherwise it has definitely slowed him down and it will erode his nasal passages and eventually kill him. The snot is pretty disgusting too, now sleeps outside so we don’t get it on the carpet etc.
Anybody had anything similar or same or any suggestions? Thanks

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Hello and welcome
So sorry to hear your boy is uncomfortable, can’t be much fun for any of you.
You say you can’t find effective treatment but have you actually found the cause of the rhinitis in itself ?
Has this been a gradual problem and how long has it been present ?
Without really tackling the root of the cause, you’re only really masking the problem, imho.
When he sleeps outside, does it help his symptoms at all ?
I presume you’ve analyzed all house environment to rule out any cause from new furniture, new household cleaning product or even different washing powder.

It’s definitely environmental. We are surrounded by beautiful bush land with lots of blossom and pollen. Also pretty dusty. We aren’t in a position to move unfortunately but even if he’s somewhere else, he still sneezes etc. it’s really got a hold of him

I wonder if you could somehow fashion a face mask to fit a muzzle?

Is he better inside or out?

Have you tried different antihistamines?

That was my thought too, Gilly. Nose nets can be effective for some horses, so maybe dogs too. Worth a thought.

Is it also worth looking at whether some times of day are better than others, so maybe going out/letting him out very early and/or late and keeping him in during higher pollen/dust hours?

It can be incredibly frustrating to deal with allergies and reactions, and sometimes it a question of trial and error, trial and error, and thinking outside the box. Keeping a diary can also be very useful, logging as much detail as you can to try and link better or worse times to events and conditions.

Thanks so much. The nose net is definitely worth looking into.

Doesn’t matter what time of day but definitely worse when he first gets moving. Still loves going for a walk but mostly spends the first minute or two sneezing, often hitting his nose on the ground with some force. It’s been a frustrating, expensive and sad experience. Vet and Dr Google say it’s often untreatable but I vowed to give him the best life possible and I’m having a red hot ho! He’s so worth it

Oh, also tried the whole gamut of antihistamines

Another reason to go out really early, as in when no one else is looking...

... you could try making a nose net by popping the toe from a pair of tights over a muzzle. Horse nose nets are easy to find online but I can't find a dog one so you might have to make your own.

If your lad's not muzzle trained, it's worth spending a bit of time doing that first. I like this method

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BjPpXer8IE

Do let us know how it goes.

Ah yes, seen some miracles wih horsey nose nets though I often wonder what difference the net makes but it does !
Good luck and do let us know how you get on

Thanks having second thoughts about the nose net thinking about the green slime that will be inside it

But if the net stops the irritation there won't be any green slime!

Thanks again, will look into it

My 11 yr old boy has just been diagnosed with this as well. Unfortunately steroids didn't work for him and we about to try a different medication. Did you end up finding something that worked for him?