Immunoglobulin concentrations in nasal lavage fluids in dogs with non-specific rhinitis.

The pathophysiology of non-specific chronic rhinitis(NSCR) in dogs is still unknown. In this study the possible role of immunological mechanisms in NSCR is examined, by comparing immunoglobulin concentrations in nasal lavage fluids of dogs with NSCR with those of healthy dogs. The immunoglobulin IgA was detected in nasal lavage fluids of both groups of dogs and the differences in relative levels of IgA in dogs with NSCR were not significant. IgM, IgG(a,b), and IgG(d) were detected more frequently in dogs with NSCR (P<0.05), and the relative levels were higher. The presence of IgG(a,b) may indicate the chronic character of rhinitis, and the presence of IgG(d) the possibility of an allergic component in its pathophysiology. The role of IgM is not completely clear.