Treatment of bilateral nasal polyposis and chronic refractory inhalant allergic rhinitis in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).

Over a 15-yr time span, a 30-yr-old female chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) exhibited recurrent upper respiratory disease that was suspected to be allergen induced. Until 1993, symptomatic therapy with several different antibiotics and antihistamines yielded variable results. In early 1993, the chimpanzee was consistently observed to be open-mouth breathing despite medication. Nasal polyposis was diagnosed using rigid endoscopy in September 1993, and the polyps were removed by loop excision. A fluorescent allergosorbent test was performed to differentiate hypersensitivity to specific regional allergens causing chronic inhalant allergic rhinitis. Oral immunotherapy was then instituted using standard human treatment for Sacramento Valley pollens. This combination of polyp removal and immunotherapy resulted in a marked reduction of clinical signs, and continuous oral immunotherapy has controlled these signs. Hyposensitization therapy will continue for at least 2-3 yr. The chimpanzee continues to breath normally following occasional antihistamine treatment.