A nose bleed in a dog is a reason for concern.
The potential reasons why your dog's nose might bleed are clotting problems, foreign bodies, severe dental disease, rare fungal infection, but most importantly (and, sadly, most commonly) a tumor.
As Roxanne of Champion of My Heart puts is, "Assume all canine nose bleeds mean nasal cancer."
Bella's problems started with severe head-shaking, which resulted in an aural hematoma. Coincidence? Perhaps, but Buddy's case started exactly the same way. Aural hematomas most commonly happen because of allergies or ear infections. But perhaps an irritation is an irritation ...?
Bella's hematoma was treated only to return. No ear infection was found.
Couple months later, Bella woke everybody up by what appeared 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 to the throat, pharynx, or laryngeal area. This could be a foreign body, a reaction to environmental irritants, post-nasal drip, or even things such as exercise intolerance, tight collar, pulling on the leash or just sudden change in temperature.
Normally, reverse sneezing is not a cause for concern, unless it becomes severe or chronic.
Foreign bodies, nasal mites, respiratory infections, and, yes, here it comes, nasal cancers could be behind severe reverse sneezing.
Bella was taken to a vet and they didn't find anything.
Few months passed and then Bella's mom came home to another bloody nose with blood all over the floor. And Bella was diagnosed with nasal cancer.
Always take your dog's nose bleeds seriously.
Related articles:
The Easy Answer Isn't Always The Right Answer: Buddy's Nosebleeds
Veterinary Highlights: Cryotherapy To Treat Nasal Cancer In Dogs
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