bleedingnose

Bleeding From The Nose

Harvey Caruthers

Trauma and Foreign Bodies
Probably the most common cause of sudden onset bleeding from the nose (epistaxis) is trauma. Sneezing and facial pain is common, particularly in long-nosed breeds. With foreign bodies, bleeding is often from only one nostril. I have seen many sticks and other material removed from dogs' noses and usually a discharge was present. Often a clear or bloody discharge changes to be pus-like as bacterial infection establishes itself.

Cancer and Discharge from the Nose
Cancer is a frequent cause of discharge from the nose; this is usually bloody or pus-like. Carcinoma, lymphoma and sarcomas are most common. Swelling of the lymph glands can occur, and cancer can spread around the body. X-ray and other procedures such as endopscopy may also be undertaken. Some types of cancer respond to chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Bleeding occurs for many other reasons though.

Fungal Infection
Ulceration and loss of pigment around the nose often results from fungal infections such as Aspergillosis, but can also happen with non-specific rhinitis. The bones on the nose are often sore as well. Initial investigations diesel4

may include a blood test to look for fungal antibodies. Blood tests are not foolproof and tissue samples are often tested as well. Treatment can also be frustrating, though this has improved a great deal

Other Diseases and Blood Clotting
Sometimes bleeding from the nose can be a sign of clotting disorders or other systemic diseases. Some of the more common causes result from the bodies failure to form a blood clot, caused by diseases such as von Willebrand disease. Some parasites can cause controlled bleeding, as can high blood pressure. Clotting problems may be suspected from blood results or by timing how long a dog's blood takes to clot.

pictures courtesy of Lynn Frankham

reprinted with kind permission from Alastair Balmain
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The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.