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Canine Nose Bleeding and TumorsCanine Nose bleeding is usually a sign of another disorder. It can be caused by your dog’s environment including pollution from smoking or poor air quality, an object in your dog's nose, a fungal problem, blood clot, bacterial infection or canine nose tumor. The most common cause is an infection or something lodged in the nose. If the nose bleeding is due to a tumor it is rare for a canine tumor to become cancerous. Tumors are usually seen in dogs age 2 - 12 with 10 being the most common age. Nasal adenocarcinoma is the most common tumor type. Breeds That Tend to get Canine Nose TumorsIf the bleeding is due to a canine nose tumor, breeds that are at increased risk include:Airedale terriers Basset hounds Old English Sheepdogs Scottish terriers Collies Shetland sheepdogs German shorthair pointers Labrador retrievers Golden retrievers Symptoms of Canine Nose Bleeding and TumorsMany of the symptoms associated with canine nose bleeding occur before you actually see blood. Symptoms include sneezing and discharge from the nose. Discharge may contain blood.Your dog may have trouble breathing or snoring, a symptom that is consistent with something lodged in the nose. Your dog might be constantly reaching for the nose causing or due to irritation or inflammation and swelling. Tumors are suspected if blood is coming from only one nostril or there is discharge. Other symptoms of canine nasal tumors are watery eyes, a swollen face, coughing, or some trouble breathing. Diagnosis of Canine Nose BleedingIt is difficult to diagnose nose bleeds. A blood test will be used to see if there are any obvious signs of a problem. If the test comes back normal, then it is assumed that the cause of the nose bleed is isolated to the nose. Your veterinarian might time the duration of the bleed and the time it takes to stop the bleeding.Veterinarian’s have a device called an endoscope where a video camera is fed through your dog’s mouth into the nose. A biopsy is taken to test for cancer. X-rays can detect cancer by looking at bones and if they have worn away. Treatment of Canine Nose Bleeding and TumorsIf the nose bleed is accessibly, try applying pressure to the point of the bleed.A fungal infection of the nasal passages (nasal aspergillosis), in one or both nostrils, and may cause erosion around the nasal openings. Most dogs will respond to treatment by your veterinarian. The key is to catch it early as a bad infection could cause changes in the nasal passages that could lead to bacterial infections and chronic nasal discharge. If the nose bleed is due to toxins in the environment, it is usually due to the toxin reducing the vitamin K1. Replacement dosages of this vitamin can help. Canine Nose Tumors are treated with surgery and radiation. Studies have shown that surgery alone is not effective with survival rates that are no different than dogs that have not been treated. Prognosis of Canine Nose TumorsMost dogs with canine nose tumors live more than a year after treatment.Sources for Canine Nose BleedingAntietim Valley Animal HospitalReading, PAwww.antietamvet.comNasal Neoplasia in the Dog and Cat Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, DACVIM (oncology), DACVR (radiation oncology) Cornell University Nutrition and Cancer: New Keys for Cure and Control 2003! Gregory K. Ogilvie, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine & Oncology) Colorado State University Ft. Collins, CO, USA Prostatic Disease in the Dog Lymphoma Canine Brain Tumors: Improvements in Diagnosis and Treatment Neoplasia of the Nervous System (spinal tumors) Current Therapy for Canine Oral Tumors Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook Hound Health Handbook Click Here to Learn More About Canine Nose Bleeding Due to Tumors Click for Dog Health Guide Home Page
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