Nasal Discharge
Understanding Your Pet's Medical Diagnosis
What is nasal discharge?
Nasal discharge refers to fluid that comes from the nose, and originates in the nasal passages. This fluid may be clear, blood-tinged, bloody, or it may contain mucus (mucoid discharge) or pus (purulent discharge). In some instances, the nasal discharge may contain food particles. The nasal discharge may originate from one nostril (unilateral) or from both nostrils (bilateral).
What causes nasal discharge?
Nasal discharge occurs from overproduction of nasal secretions, resulting from irritation to the lining of the nasal passages. The causes of nasal discharge include foreign bodies, parasites, fungal infections, nasal tumors, or dental disease. Nasal discharge may occur because of allergic reactions, trauma, viral diseases, or environmental irritants, such as dust.
What are signs of nasal discharge?
Nasal discharge is a clinical sign. Irritation or the accumulation of secretions is a potent stimulus for sneezing. Thus, sneezing may be the first associated sign of nasal discharge. Other associated signs include crusting on hair of the muzzle or front legs, difficulty breathing, and decreased air flow through the upper respiratory tract, leading to open-mouth breathing. The pet may have loss of appetite (anorexia). Reverse sneezing may occur if the irritation extends to the back of the throat, where the nasal and oral cavities meet. An animal with nasal discharge also may gag periodically if secretions flow into the throat. Animals may have additional signs related to the underlying cause of the nasal discharge. The animal may have tartar accumulation on the teeth, periodontal disease, or bad breath (halitosis). The animal may cough.
How is nasal discharge diagnosed?
Nasal discharge is diagnosed by medical history and physical examination. A complete dental examination is warranted in all cases. The cause of nasal discharge may be determined by diagnostic tests. Complete blood counts (CBCs), biochemical panels, and urinalysis may be performed to assess the animal's health status. Radiographs (X-rays) of the skull frequently are required. In cases of chronic or recurrent nasal discharge, rhinoscopy (the use of a specialized instrument to look inside the nasal passages) may aid in the identification of nasal lesions. A nasal biopsy (surgical removal and microscopic examination of a sample of nasal tissue) can be performed if a mass is suspected.
How is nasal discharge treated?
The treatment of nasal discharge will depend on the underlying cause. Treatment options include antibiotics, antiparasitic drugs, steroids, antifungal drugs, chemotherapeutic agents (cancer drugs), radiation therapy, or surgery. A common cause of nasal discharge is infection of the upper canine tooth (large corner fang); the infection spreads from the tooth root and makes a path into the nasal cavity (oronasal fistula). Extraction of the infected canine tooth and surgery to close the gap may provide a cure.
The animal with nasal discharge may need fluid therapy. Decongestants also may be used to dry up nasal secretions. The frequency, volume, and character of the nasal discharge should be monitored closely. Nursing care is an important factor in treating dogs and cats with nasal discharge. The nose should be kept clean and the animal should be given lots of water and housed in a warm environment. Nutritional support should be provided for animals that are not eating.
What is the prognosis for animals with nasal discharge?
The prognosis (outcome) for animals with nasal discharge is
variable, depending on the underlying cause. Some chronic upper
respiratory infections do not resolve totally; however, ongoing
management can keep the pet comfortable and prevent progression
of the condition. Cancer of the nasal area can be difficult to
treat and carries a poor prognosis.
Article
Reverse Sneezing
Author
Ande Johnson, DVM
Editor Dez Hughes, BVSc, MRCVS
This is a funny sort of repetitive snorting that occurs in
dogs. Usually the dog will make several of these snorting noises
in rapid succession, stop for a bit, then launch into another
bout. These reverse sneezing fits are not life threatening. They
are caused by irritation at the back of the throat of some sort.
If the reverse sneezing fits continue for more than a minute or
so, it is best to have your pet examined by your veterinarian
to determine the cause of the irritation.