Do Dogs Get Nosebleeds: Bella’s Nasal Cancer
Dogs don’t get nosebleeds as commonly as people do.
It would take quite a trauma for a dog’s nose to bleed from within the nose itself. In other words, a nosebleed in a dog is a reason for concern.
The potential reasons why your dog’s nose might bleed include:
- clotting problems
- foreign bodies
- severe dental disease
- fungal infection
- but most importantly (and, sadly, most commonly) a tumor.
As Roxanne of Champion of My Heart puts it, “Assume all canine nose bleeds mean nasal cancer.”
Bella’s story
Ear hematoma
Bella’s problems started with severe head-shaking, which resulted in an aural hematoma. Coincidence? Perhaps, but Buddy’s case started precisely the same way. Aural hematomas most commonly happen because of allergies or ear infections. But maybe an irritation is an irritation …?
Bella’s hematoma was treated only to return. No ear infection was found.
Reverse sneezing
A couple of months later, Bella woke everybody up by what appeared to be hyperventilating and choking. It was assumed to be reverse sneezing.
However, Bella’s bout of reverse sneezing ended with a bloody nose.
Reverse sneezing is caused by an irritation of the throat, pharynx, or laryngeal area.
The irritant can be
- a foreign body
- reaction to environmental irritants
- post-nasal drip
- exercise intolerance
- tight collar
- pulling on the leash
- or just a sudden change in temperature
Typically, reverse sneezing is not a cause for concern unless it becomes severe or chronic.
Further reading: Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Is My Dog Choking?
Foreign bodies, nasal mites, respiratory infections, and, yes, here it comes, nasal cancers could be behind severe reverse sneezing.
At the veterinarian
Bella’s mom rushed her to a veterinarian. They examined Bella but didn’t find anything.
A few months passed, and then Bella’s mom came home to another bloody nose with blood all over the floor. It wasn’t until then that Bella received her diagnosis—nasal cancer.
Always take your dog’s nose bleeds seriously.
Related articles:
Should I Worry About Dog Nosebleeds? Does a Dog Nose Bleed Easily?
The Easy Answer Isn’t Always The Right Answer: Buddy’s Nosebleeds.
Further reading:
Nose Bleeds in Dogs