Dog Bloody Nose
Medically known as epistaxis, the condition is caused by breaks in the capillaries in the nose. It can happen to any dog, but dogs with long noses are said to be predisposed to develop the condition.
- Dog bloody nose discharge can either be unilateral (coming from one nostril) or bilateral (both nostrils). Finding this out can help with diagnosis.
- The condition may also be of acute onset or it could be a chronic condition
Possible Causes of the Condition
Here are some of the possible causes of epistaxis in dogs
- Trauma – a very common cause and can happen when a dog gets hit on the nose of when it bumps into something hard.
- Foreign Bodies in the Nasal Canal
- Tooth abscess and other nasal concerns
- Tumors – Bleeding tumors can also be found in the nasal passage
- Clotting abnormalities – usually shows other bleeding problems in addition to epistaxis
Symptoms to Watch Out For
- Dob Bloody Nose Sneezing
- Nasal Swelling
- Dental Disease
- Melena – Black tarry stools, caused by the swallowing of blood
- Bad Breath
- Anorexia
- Noisy or Loud Breath Souds
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment for the condition will be focused on how to stop the bleeding. Some of these methods may be used:
- Cold Compress
- Nasal Packing – Puts pressure and stops the bleeding, it is only to be done by a doctor because it could further aggravate the condition when not done right. General anesthesia is also used to keep the dog calm during packing.
- Adrenaline ingestions – helps constrict blood vessels
Home care is going to involve:
- Cage rest
- Cold Compress
- Limiting Stress
After bleeding stops, it is then important to further investigate the cause of the condition. Prevention is going to involve preventing trauma, if the condition is caused by trauma to the nose.