Anatomical Empty Nose in Dogs and Cats After Nasal Disease or Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: Implications for Human Empty Nose Syndrome?

An objective and anatomical empty nose refers to severe turbinate destruction and can be observed in dogs and cats following nasal diseases or surgical interventions, as evidenced on computed tomography and rhinoscopy. In contrast, true empty nose syndrome (ENS) in humans involves sensations of impaired airflow, discomfort and paradoxical nasal obstruction, despite enlarged or empty nasal cavities, which cannot be assessed in animals. Accurate grading of turbinate destruction requires a multimodal diagnostic approach. While human ENS studies may provide conceptual insights, direct extrapolation to veterinary patients remains limited.