Unfortunately, nasal tumors in dogs can cause significant destruction to the nasal cavity and carry a poor prognosis. To empower and comfort dog parents who are walking through this diagnosis with their beloved senior dog, integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby explains the types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for nasal tumors in dogs. Plus, she discusses how to know when it is time to euthanize your dog with a nasal tumor.
When a lump or bump pops up on your dog’s skin, it’s usually pretty obvious. However, if the tumor is hiding in your dog’s nose, it’s a whole different story.
Often, a nasal tumor can grow in secret for several months before being found. And the initial symptoms are similar to those of allergies or an upper respiratory infection, so you may have no idea there is something far more sinister lurking in your dog’s nose.
Thankfully, nasal tumors aren’t super common—they only account for roughly one percent of cancers in dogs. But if your dog happens to have nasal cancer, that number probably doesn’t bring you much comfort.
What may help, though, is having a better understanding of what is going on with your dog. It can’t necessarily change the outcome, but it can help you navigate a nasal tumor diagnosis and know how to help your dog.
What are nasal tumors in dogs?
The term “nasal tumor” refers to any sort of abnormal growth that occurs in the nasal cavity. While nasal tumors can occur in any dog breed, they tend to be more common in dolichocephalic (i.e. long-nosed) breeds like Dachshunds, Collies, and Greyhounds.
And dogs living in urban environments also seem to be at a higher risk of developing a nasal tumor. This may be due to the increased exposure to air pollution which tends to accompany living in a major city.
Like many types of cancer, nasal tumors are more common in middle-aged to senior dogs, with the average age of onset being 10 years.
What are the types of nasal tumors in dogs?
About 20% of nasal tumors are benign growths such as fibromas or polyps. These tumors tend to stay on the surface of the nasal cavity rather than invading the bony structures. And they don’t cause nearly the damage that malignant tumors do.
The remaining 80% of nasal tumors are malignant. From most to least common, these tumors include:
- Adenocarcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Undifferentiated carcinoma
- Fibrosarcoma
- Chondrosarcoma
- Osteosarcoma in dogs
These tumors tend to progress rapidly and are highly locally invasive. In other words, they can quickly enter and destroy the surrounding tissues. In some cases, malignant nasal tumors can even eat through the bone that separates the nasal cavity from the brain. Or they can damage the dog’s eye, cause facial deformities, or obstruct the dog’s airway.
Sometimes, in the later stages, the tumor can also metastasize (i.e. spread) to the lungs or lymph nodes. This is fairly rare, though. Most of the damage and the resulting symptoms are due to the initial tumor and its effects on the nasal cavity, eye, or brain.
What are the symptoms of dog nasal tumors?
The tricky thing about nasal cancer in dogs is that the initial symptoms may be mild. For example, you might notice increased sneezing or reverse sneezing in dogs. At first, you (and your vet) might suspect that your furry friend has allergies or an upper respiratory infection.
However, these symptoms won’t go away on their own or fully resolve with allergy medicine for dogs or other treatments. And the dog might start to show other signs such as:
- Dog nose bleeds (i.e. epistaxis)—typically, the bleeding only comes from one nostril initially, but the nose bleeds may eventually involve both nostrils and increase in frequency and duration
- Nasal discharge, which may be clear, yellowish, reddish, or mucoid—usually only affects one nostril at first but may change to both nostrils as the tumor grows
- Decreased appetite
- Facial deformities (i.e. swelling, asymmetrical appearance, etc.)
- Loud or harsh breathing (almost like snoring or snorting)
- Difficulty breathing
- Being a lethargic dog
- Pawing at the face
Depending on how far the tumor invades, your dog may also have eye discharge, a bulging eye, or enlarged dog lymph nodes near the jawline. Or, if it spreads into the brain, the dog may experience blindness, abnormal gait, and dog seizure activity.
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms of nasal tumors, it is best to seek veterinary care. For dogs who are experiencing mild or non-urgent symptoms, you can make an appointment with your family veterinarian. But if your dog is having an uncontrolled nosebleed, difficulty breathing, or seizures, it may be best to make an emergency vet visit.
How is a nasal tumor diagnosed?
When you get to the vet, he or she will start by assessing your dog and gathering information from you about your dog’s history and symptoms. Then your vet will discuss the next steps with you.
Much more often than not, dogs with occasional sneezing or mild nasal discharge really do just have allergies or an upper respiratory infection. This means that initially, your vet may recommend trying symptomatic treatment.
But if the dog doesn’t improve as expected, or symptoms worsen, it may be time for additional diagnostics. Or, if the dog has more severe signs, the vet may recommend further diagnostics right away.
Unfortunately, the nasal cavity is harder to evaluate than many other areas of the dog’s body. The majority of it is enclosed in the bones of the skull. And the nasal cavity is filled with many scrolls of bone (i.e. turbinates). This can make it difficult to know what is going on inside.
Imaging
Sometimes, X-rays of the skull and nasal cavity can help diagnose a nasal tumor. But in general, advanced imaging such as a CT scan or MRI is more likely to be diagnostic. CT and MRI are more detailed than X-rays. And they provide cross-section slices of the area of interest, which is especially helpful when looking at a complex bony structure like the nasal cavity. (The skull structures are superimposed on one another on an X-ray, which makes interpretation challenging in some cases.)
Rhinoscopy
While it may not be able to detect quite as many nasal tumors as CT or MRI, scoping the nose (i.e. rhinoscopy) is another good diagnostic option. It often allows the vet to visualize the tumor and collect biopsy samples. Plus, it may be able to rule out other nasal issues like fungal infections, foreign bodies (like foxtails in dogs), or sinusitis.
Biopsy
The best way to determine if a mass is cancer, and the type of cancer, is to perform a biopsy (i.e. collecting a sample of tissue) and histopathology (i.e. examining the tissue under the microscope).
A study of 117 dogs with nasal cancer indicated that blind biopsy (i.e. performed without being able to directly visualize the tumor), advanced imaging-guided biopsy, and rhinoscopy-guided biopsy were all equally effective at diagnosing nasal tumors. This means there are a variety of ways that the vet can collect the tissue for the biopsy, depending on your dog’s particular situation.
Additional testing
The vet may also recommend a clotting panel. This can help decrease the chances that the biopsy site would bleed uncontrollably. And it also rules out a clotting disorder as the explanation for the dog’s nose bleeds.
Additionally, your vet may suggest chest X-rays to look for metastasis (which is rare but worsens the prognosis). Or he or she may want to perform a chemistry panel, urinalysis, and complete blood count (CBC) to get an overall picture of your dog’s health.
What is the treatment for nasal tumors in dogs?
After receiving the nasal tumor diagnosis, some dog parents decide to consult with a veterinary oncologist to pursue treatment. And others prefer palliative care options (i.e. ways to keep their dog happy and comfortable for as long as possible). This is a personal decision, and there isn’t one right or wrong answer.
Radiation
Should you choose to treat your dog’s nasal cancer, the veterinary oncologist will most likely recommend radiation therapy. This involves using focused high-energy particles or waves to destroy targeted cells (in this case, cancer cells). Although there is no definitive cure for nasal tumors in dogs, radiation therapy is the best way to achieve clinical remission (i.e. the cancer goes away for a certain period of time).
However, because of the high dose of radiation necessary for this kind of treatment, your dog may experience side effects such as:
- Redness or inflammation on the skin and in the mouth
- Peeling skin where the beam was directed (sort of like a sunburn)
- Conjunctivitis, dry eye in dogs, or even blindness due to retinal damage or the formation of cataracts in dogs
Palliative radiation
Interestingly, lower doses of radiation are also an option for palliative care. Several studies have indicated that palliative radiation can help decrease tumor symptoms.
Chemotherapy or surgery
While there are a few studies looking at chemotherapy for nasal tumors, at this point it isn’t typically the treatment of choice. Additionally, surgical debulking of the tumor may help improve some of the clinical signs, but it doesn’t improve survival time for dogs with nasal tumors. And these dogs typically still need radiation too.
Pain control
Many dogs with nasal tumors can benefit from anti-inflammatory or pain medications as well. The vet may recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like carprofen. Or he or she may prescribe a steroid like prednisone for dogs if the tumor may be affecting the brain. While not anti-inflammatory drugs, gabapentin for dogs or tramadol for dogs can also be helpful for reducing any pain associated with the nasal tumor.
Holistic treatment for nasal tumors
The herbal supplement Yunnan Baiyao for dogs seems to have an almost magical ability to stop bleeding. This means it can provide a holistic way to help prevent or manage nose bleeds in dogs with nasal tumors. Your veterinarian, or a veterinarian who is familiar with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), can help you figure out a Yunnan Baiyao dose and frequency that is right for your dog.
Phenylephrine
Nasal phenylephrine drops may help minimize the inflamed tissues within your dog’s nose. Plus, since the medication constricts small blood vessels, it may also help with nosebleeds.
Keeping the house cool
Dogs rely on their airways to keep themselves cool, and nasal tumors reduce the efficacy of those cooling mechanisms. Therefore, leaving the temperature low in your home can reduce the risk of your dog overheating. Otherwise, without the ability to efficiently exhale warm breath, a dog can suffer heatstroke in dogs. This is a life-threatening emergency.
Also, anecdotally, many parents of dogs with nasal tumors feel that letting a fan blow cool air onto their dog’s face can make a big difference in overall comfort.
What is the life expectancy for dogs with nasal tumors?
Unfortunately, the long-term prognosis for dogs with nasal tumors is poor. Radiation therapy gives dogs the best life expectancy, with the potential of going into remission for one to two years. Additionally, palliative radiation typically decreases clinical signs in 65-86% of patients for 120 to 300 days.
Otherwise, dogs who receive no treatment may have a life expectancy of two to three months before the clinical signs become an insurmountable problem. However, untreated dogs with nose bleeds typically have a shorter life expectancy than this.
How will I know when it is time to euthanize my dog?
Because of the locally invasive nature of this cancer, and its ability to progress rapidly, I always advise dog parents to keep a close eye on their dog’s quality of life. It can be helpful to regularly fill out a quality-of-life scale for dogs. And you will want to watch closely for difficulty breathing, severe or frequent nose bleeds, blindness, seizures, or signs your dog is in pain. All of these can be indicators that it is time to prepare for your dog’s euthanasia.
I know it is never easy to face the loss of your sweet dog. And having to make that decision can weigh heavily on your mind. While I can’t tell you when it is time to let your pup go, I do want to offer several resources to help you with the journey:
- Dog Hospice Care Can Bring Peace and Dignity to Your Dog’s Final Days
- In-Home Dog Euthanasia: Heartfelt Answers to 12 FAQs
- Dog Euthanasia: Knowing When to Say Goodbye
- How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog?
- Grieving the Loss of a Dog After Euthanasia (& Finding Peace)
- Dog Memorial Ideas
Plus, your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist can help you through this trying time. Don’t be afraid to reach out and discuss your concerns or ask questions. That’s what they are there for.
Treasure the time you have
If I could leave you with a final parting bit of advice, it would be this—treasure the time you have. Unfortunately, nasal tumors don’t have a happy ending most of the time, and that can be hard to face. But you can choose to do your best to push through the sadness and find joy in the days you do have with your dog.
Spend some extra time hanging out on the couch together. Go to all of your dog’s favorite places. Make a bucket list for your dog and see how many things you can check off. Hire a photographer to capture beautiful pictures of the bond you have with your dog.
These are just some ideas to get you started. I don’t know what treasuring time looks like for you. But I do know it is worth figuring out.
Did your dog have a nasal tumor?
Please share his or her story below.
We just lost our dog to nasal adenocarcinoma. She was diagnosed with at the end of April and given a prognosis of “a few weeks to a couple of months” but lasted until mid-September with a good quality of life. She was comfortable, with swelling and pain managed with metacam and tralieve. She was eating well, walking regularly, and playing. We could tell she was having increasing difficulty breathing and her nose bleeds became more severe and more frequent toward the end. We worried that we would not know when the “right time” would be for her because she was such a happy, energetic dog, despite the cancer. But one morning, she didn’t eat her breakfast, she didn’t want her tennis ball (her favorite toy – this has never happened before), she didn’t want to walk, and she was listing to one side. We knew, she told us. Using the quality of life scale really helped us to understand how to do what was best for our dog over the past months. Thank you for this helpful tool.
Dear Diane,
My heart aches for you with the recent loss of your beloved pup. I am glad you were able to identify the signs that it was time to offer her a peaceful goodbye. Thank you for being willing to share your experience with us. May the memories of all the good times you shared continue to be a blessing in your life. Wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Our 10 year old Lab x Border Collie (Teddy) exhibited Reverse sneezing early 2023 with bleeding in April. By August he had been diagnosed with Nasal Cancer in his left nostril. The good news was that it was slow growing. Now over a year past his diagnosis, with daily oral chemotherapy, anti inflammatories, diaretics etc. The tumour has filled both his nasel cavities, He does breathe through his mouth now and snores very loud. He was steady, but just this week is throwing up food and water today with a lot of blood. The tumour has pushed into his left eye.
He still runs 5 km with me, enjoys walks, and beach swims. His brain has not been effected but his body is giving in. He has an appointment with his Oncologist in a few days and they will probably tell us to start thinking about his final days.
I don’t want this but we cant be so selfish! Its so tough… Why cant they live forever??
Dear Michelle,
My heart goes out to you as you begin to face the final days with Teddy. What a blessing he has gained an extra year of good quality time with you since his diagnosis. Thank you for being willing to share his story with us. Praying for strength and peace during this difficult season of life. Bless you and your sweet boy. ♥
I have a 150 lb 10 year old rottweiler( 11 yrs old Sept 3, 2024)… he’s had nose bleeds, mixed with snot for a few months. they were here and there but the last few weeks has been constant. he sneezes, reverse sneezes often, he still plays, eats, still loves treats but I touched his nose today and he kinda jerked away from me. I don’t know what to do…vet said 3-5 months without radiation..I have to drive to a different state( 4hrs) for treatment..and I just can’t do it to him after things I’ve read. he breathes hard but I don’t know if it’s because he’s old and fat or if it’s the nasal tumors. he’s on antibiotic and pain meds right now. I love him and I’m scared I won’t know when the right time is to have him euthanized…I don’t want to do it too soon..but I don’t want to wait and have him suffering either. he has no facial deformity yet but nose looks raw towards the bottom…I just don’t know..please help me
Dear Jerri,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with your senior guy. I am sorry his health is declining and understand your concern. It may be a good idea to find a house call vet in your area that specializes in hospice care. They could offer guidance as you navigate this emotional path and be your support system. I always think it is better to say goodbye one day too early than one day too late and allow unnecessary suffering. I will attach links to other articles with more information and great advice from other readers. Wishing you clarity and strength. Bless you and your sweet boy.
1. Signs A Dog is Dying of Cancer (Plus Advice for 8 Common Cancers)
2. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
3. How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
4. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
Hi there, how is your doggie? My Rottie is going through the same thing but will be 6….and he is 155! Still not sure what to do 🥲
Dear Jaime,
My thoughts are with you as you face this uncertain situation with your sweet boy. Praying for comfort and strength. ♥
Thank you so much for your time, knowledge, and compassion. I’m looking for some guidance for my beautiful baby girl, She is 12.5 years old, spayed, husky-mix, UTD on all shots/vaccines.
She has been having nasal discharge from her left nostril on and off for the past 6+ months, she’s had 2 episodes of a bloody nose over the past year. Her left eye has been weeping and has recently (last 2 weeks) become swollen under her eye/on the bridge of her nose. She has had 2 rounds of antibiotics (one Clindamycin and one Baytril) with little improvement and had radiographs last week to rule out an abscess or dental issue (vet said her teeth looked good).
Yesterday we received the radiology report essentially diagnosing her with what is likely a malignant nasal tumour.
“Aggressive left-sided soft tissue plague lesion with associated osteolysis of both the nasal turbinates and highly suspect adjacent alveolar bone of the left aspect of the maxilla. The primary differential is a malignant neoplastic process such as adenocarcinoma. Fungal rhinitis is considered less likely.”
I’m desperately looking for some guidance, as I need to make a relatively quick decision to proceed with a rhinoscopy/biopsy and CT scan within the next day or two.
I’m not sure with her age and overall health if I should put her through additional diagnostic tests based on the radiology report. She is currently in a bit of pain – head shy, doesn’t want me touching her nose/eye, but still has decent quality of life – eating, playing, etc.
She takes 200mg of gabapentin BIP for arthritis and has recently started Propalin for occasional incotinence (urine). Her bloodwork is good.
She’s my first baby and I’ve never been through this experience before. I’m devastated to think about letting her go, but I’m also scared about her going downhill quickly while I try to get these tests that likely won’t come with a favourable prognosis.
Does it make sense to put her through the rhinoscopy/biopsy/CT scan (she already has high anxiety going to the vet and was just sedated last week for radiographs)? I don’t want to subject her to unnecessary suffering because I’m too sad to let her go. That being said, I also don’t want to not proceed with a treatment plan if it’s appropriate for her case.
I’m struggling to decide what is best for my sweet girl. Any and all advice, insight, experience, is greatly appreciated. Thank you again for all you do ❤️
Dear Kim,
My heart aches for you as you face this difficult situation with your senior girl. The reason these choices are so hard is because there is often no definite right or wrong answer. When I am trying to decide whether to run tests, I like to ask myself the question “Will the results change how I plan to proceed?” If you move forward with the biopsy and CT scan will the treatment options change based on the results? If they offer radiation or chemotherapy, are you wanting to pursue that kind of treatment? If you are at the stage of wanting to focus on quality of life and are thinking about palliative care, then I am not sure it would be worth the stress (and financial strain) to have the testing done. Ultimately, you have to trust your intuition as you know your girl better than anyone. Hoping you were able to get the answers and advice needed to make the best decision for you and your girl. Praying for comfort and peace. Bless you both. ♥
**Acupuncture and Chinese medicine has given her 2 years so far!! **
My 13 year old Pitty mix Cotton had her first nose bleed a little over 2 years ago in July. She was diagnosed in November with a CT scan, it was already deteriorating the plate between nasal and brain.
I chose to go the Holistic route as it is not curable. She does acupuncture twice a month, Chinese herbs, mushroom powder, essential oils, Yannan Baiyao as needed, home cooked diet, pre and probiotics ,
and anti inflammatory, and pain medication.
She has had a lot of nasal drainage, trouble breathing at times, but overall doing well. She has just in the last couple of weeks started showing outward signs that the tumor is growing. My vet says the tumor may rupture, but that will release pressure in her head. Her eye is starting to push out some and the tumor is starting to swell and seep above her eye and on her snout.
I don’t know how much time I have left with her, but I will cherish every moment.
I know all of these things I have done for her have given her a good quality of life and given me extra time with my girl.
My point is, Chinese medicine and acupuncture works!!!
I wish all who are going thru this love and prayers. This is a horrible disease.
Sabra and Cotton❤️🐾
Dear Sabra,
My heart goes out to you as you face these last days with your beloved Cotton. What a blessing you were able to gain so much extra quality time together. Thank you for sharing your experience as it could be extremely helpful for others in a similar situation. Wishing you peace and as many happy days as possible. Bless you and your sweet girl. ♥
Could you possibly share the products used here?
Our little boy, Jordy, who is a 14 year-old Shih Tzu, was diagnosed with canine nasal adenocarcinoma October 2023. After a lot of discussions with the vet, we felt hopeless because we can not afford the $10k to put him through radiation. Being a short snouted breed brought all kinds of side effects even if we could have afforded it, not to mention a 3 hour drive each direction for treatment. He’s not a dog who is tolerant of car rides or vet visits. We decided to go with palliative care.
Our vet prescribed Piroxicam and referred us to another local vet who practices holistic medicine. She put Jordy on stasis breaker, Wei Qi booster, and Xin Yi San powder with Yunnan Baiyao as needed. We are now 10 months in, just a few nosebleeds over the 10 months, none severe, and he is just now beginning to breathe a little heavily. I wholeheartedly believe these Chinese meds have extended his life and bought us precious time with our boy. He was supposed to be gone by January and it is now August.
Thank you for your articles. It was this page that mentioned Yunnan Baiyao that informed me enough to bring it up to my vet and wound up getting us the referral that led to extra time for our boy. ❤️
Dear Brittany,
I am sorry Jordy is living with this difficult diagnosis. What a blessing he has maintained his quality of life for so long and you have gained 10 extra months with him. It makes me so happy to know the article was helpful and offered guidance during this tough season of life. Wishing your boy happiness and comfort in the days ahead. Bless you and your family. ♥
I had to say goodbye to my butterball on Monday. He was 12 years 5 months. July 2023 he began reverse sneezing. His vet told me that pollin is high in our area and it’s just allergies. I thought this was strange since he had never experienced allergies like this in the past. Then he began snoring. I took him in four times and each time the Vet insisted it was allergies until a large growth appeared on his nose right between his eyes. They did a biopsy and confirmed it was nasal adenocarcinoma on September 15th. We were referred to a vet oncologist where Butters did three treatments of targeted radiation early October. The nasal tumor disappeared within a couple days and he was breathing easy again. May 2024 he started having seizures. We took him into the Vet and began seizure medication. He hadn’t had a seizure since but he definitely slowed down. Since the seizures he had constant nasal discharge that would plug his nose. I would have to clear his nose at least a couple times a day so that he could breathe. It got worse towards the end. The last couple weeks he was sleeping a lot and not eating as much. He was having trouble with his vision. Trouble walking. Difficulty drinking water. Lots of accidents but he was willing to use a pee pad if we put one down. The last week I noticed sores on the top of his mouth (ulcers). The last couple days eating was difficult for him and he was having trouble taking his medicine. He couldn’t make it to the pee pad anymore. My husband and I gave him a really good day before we took him in for Euthanasia. I’m guessing the cancer returned and made it into his brain. I think the first sign of this was when the seizures began back in May. I’m so grateful for the extra year we had with him but my heart hurts. I miss my dog.
Dear Kayla,
My heart aches for you with your loss of Butterball. What a blessing the radiation was able to shrink the tumor and gifted you with an extra year of quality time with your boy. I can only imagine how much you miss him but am certain he knew how much he was loved. I hope with time the grief will fade, and comfort and peace will take its place. May his memory be with you always and I wish you brighter days ahead.
Our 11 year old yellow lab started with nose bleeds. They got worse over time and we took him to vet. They said he has nasal tumor and after discussing different options we chose medication. He is currently on piroxicam and all was going good. He had no more nose bleeds for about 5 weeks. Unfortunately the past few days the bleeding started again. Our vet did tell use the medication is just a band-aide. We are currently just watching for signs that the end is near but it is very hard since he is such a happy boy. I don’t know when to make this decision. Tough times and I am going to miss my boy when the times comes. Our hearts are broken.
Dear Janell,
I am sorry your senior guy is nearing his last days. I can only imagine how emotional this time must be for you and your family. Praying for strength as you navigate this difficult path and for clarity when tough decisions have to be made. Bless you. ♥
I am very sorry that this had to happen. I feel for you deeply and I can definitely relate. it was just this morning at 10:00 a.m. that I put my baby down he was a nine and a half year old Bouvier to Flanders and he has had nosebleed since February so 9 months ago we are taking him to the vet three times in that period and they said it was allergies. today we insisted that they do a scam and they found a tumor towards the end of his nose inside. there was nothing they could do and no help he had been bleeding for days again. he had stopped eating and stopped drinking and couldn’t sleep. so it was time. this evening I sit in my recliner chair in the basement reading and he always laid by me on the floor by the side of my chair. always there for me to touch. not having him here with me is going to take a long time to adjust to it’s only been 13 hours since he was euthanized and I miss him so.
Hi Michael,
My heart breaks for you on the loss of your sweet pup. Coming home to an empty house is so hard because there are so many small things that can easily remind you of your dog and start the waves of grief all over again. Thinking about you as you navigate this difficult time. ❤️
We are going through nasal carcinoma with our heaven sent black lab retriever. He started with sneezing episodes in January., which we thought was from his severe allergies. He had a regular check up in February and they said he was healthy , and he looked healthy! In May, we noticed what looked like a pea sized cold sore on the outer edge of his left Nare. . The dr immediately thought it was the nasal carcinoma. We had tests done , and X-rays. The tumor was very involved internally in his snout and no surgical intervention could be done. We discussed weekly cancer treatments , which would involve a 90 minute drive each way , and recovery day after each treatment, with little hope of a positive outcome. We couldn’t commit to doing that . Our brave, sweet boy is still looking the picture of health. Playful, but decreased appetite. Mouth breathing, constant outings to potty . The tumor has grown and taken from the mass of his nose and snout . And he has a small appearance coming through the right Nare at this time. We took him for his last beach trip , which I believe he liked. . Just very sad here , and constantly monitoring him for any struggles.
I praise God for the wonderful blessing Kennedy has been in our family , and in my heart. We’ve jokingly said he has a halo and is from heaven since the day we brought him home. Now we’re preparing for him to go back to heaven. He’s amazingly warm and sweet with everyone. , perfect gentleman and lovely to live with. -Prayers for all the animals and the owners going through this difficult experience. Saying goodbye to our loved ones is never easy . I will miss him terribly. ❤️
I am so sorry Kennedy has received this devastating diagnosis. I can only imagine the emotions you are facing as you spend these final days with your beloved boy. What a blessing he is still feeling ok and was able to enjoy his trip to the beach. Wishing you comfort and peace as you navigate this difficult path. Bless you and your sweet pup.
Our sweet Boxer Lab , Hercules was just diagnosed on July 1st. A month prior he came in from outside with a swelling under his left eye about the size of a nickel. He was instantly terrified to go back outside (something he loved to do all day until it got dark and I use to have to force him to come in) I immediately thought he got stung or bitten. I tried conventional care but a week later the swelling was three times worse so we went to our vet. They initially thought a tooth root abcess but still drew blood for labs and tried to get a biopsy . This ended up just being an in house FNA as all that came out was blood (no visible cells) and although his teeth “looked great” they put him on antibiotics and nsaid thinking it was a hematoma from trauma. Over the course of antibiotics, nothing changed for the better. He has become very lethargic but still eating , etc. a second visit was made after completion of antibiotics and no improvement. They again tried to do a FNA for biopsy which was unsuccessful as the first and changed his antibiotics and suggested a pet dentist or full service vet to rule out the tooth. We went with a full service vet highly recommended by everyone we knew. This vet knew right away it wasn’t his tooth. Hercules is 10 years old and a boxer which already put him at risk for cancers. He informed us he could do the x-ray, but he didn’t want to take our money when he’s seen this a lot and knew it was a nasal tumor. (He had been sneezing and reverse sneeze a lot and although no nose bleeds yet, he has a very crusty nasal discharge with a bloody scab that ejected with a sneeze) . We decided to go with palliative care and he is on antibiotics and pain meds , I’ve changed his diet, and giving him all the love and attention we can. We were told how bad it can become and if the nosebleeds start or seizures, it could be time to lay him to rest. He can definitely still smell and sense food as he’s like a horse non stop eating but other than that , he sleeps a lot and cuddles on my chest as a toddler would. We rescued him when he was 3. We are all just devastated including his brother (shiz tu) . I’m so grateful I came across your article. Reading it and the comments from other dog parents have been helpful. I’m hoping and praying we have more than the 3-5 months given, but just loving him as much as possible until it’s time. (A time I can’t even cope thinking about right now).
Dear Mandy,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with Hercules. I am glad he seems to be feeling ok and is maintaining a good quality of life with his current treatment. I know you will be facing some emotional decisions in the future but pray for clarity and strength when tough choices have to be made. Make the most of the time you are gifted. Wishing you peace and comfort. Bless you all. ♥
my sweet boy who was 9 got a nasal tumour. lt started with nose bleeds and reverse sneezing, also constant runny nose . The vet we were with at the time kept fobbing me off saying it was allergies despite me going back 4 times . After a massive nose bleed where I was certain he was going to die an emergency vet Confirmed it wasn’t an allergy but something more serious. After changing vets the new vet Confirmed there was a large mass in hes nose that she believed to be cancerous. By this stage he was having alot of nose bleeds and blood tests showed he was fighting a serious infection. My insurance would not cover any of this so I could not afford to take him for a ct scannor to oncology, despite this I didn’t actually want to put him through any more trauma . I took him to a holistic vet and they were wonderful, he was on chines herbs , having acupuncture, I changed hes diet , he was on cbd , traumeel, homeopathic tabs and drops . They were however not yet treating him for cancer as I’m it wasn’t Confirmed he had ot , just that he had a mass in hes nose . He was double well , he’s quality of life was almost normal, he stopped bleeding from he’s nose , he’s appetite was excellent , the reverse sneezing had calmed right down . Then about 6 weeks later he woke up with a really swollen eye , this was followed by more nose bleeds, continously sneezing. The holistic vets decided it was time to start cancer treatment which was due to start today. Unfortunately last week he started to rapidly decline . nose bleeds almost every day , out both sides now , awful reverse sneezing, restlessness, struggling to breath especially at night, he had this like gurgling rattle at the back of hes throat, despite all this he still got excited to see people, still.wanted a walk , still wanted to eat and cuddle. On Thursday night we had the worst night where I was literally holding him upright to help him breathe. I took him to our conventional vets on the Friday hoping there was something they could do to help , just before we left he coughed up blood clots . When we got to the vets , the vet came straight out because she could hear he’s breathing, she took us into a side room and I just burst into tears because I think my head just realised it was time . He went to sleep in my arms and I’m devastated. I keep questioning everything I did , should I have held on longer, did I give up too soon .
Dear Michelle,
I am sorry for the loss of your beloved boy. I can only imagine how much you miss him, but I am certain he knew how much he was loved. I think your choice to say goodbye was for the best and the only way to prevent unnecessary suffering. If you had tried to hold on longer, it is possible he would have passed in a very tragic and unsettling way. We ensure our pets live a good life, but a peaceful passing is just as important. Thank you for being willing to share your story with us. I hope with time your heart will begin to heal and the grief will fade. May his memory stay with you always and continue to be a blessing in your life. ♥
I’m so grateful for your article and shared knowledge 🙏🏼 our sweet 15 yo Bowser the miniature Schnauzer started reverse sneezing a lot this spring and I knew something seemed off. The vet dismissed this to spring allergy season until the inevitable was undeniable. He has some sort of nasal cancer/mast cell tumor concentrated on the left side oh his nasal cavity. I felt it in my gut with the first incident and finally bloodwork after the fourth round of ‘what the heck is going on with our little guy’ we knew it wasn’t fungal or bacterial. He has had two massive (understatement) nose bleeds out of the left side and we are currently treating his third left eye blow up. I found your article when I googled about why the top of his sweet nose might be crusty and weird. I figured it was related. I feel like an investigator trying to connect dots and keep him as comfy as possible. One of the vets at my clinic described the complexity of the dogs skull and nasal cavity and at Bowser’s advanced age none of the tests or treatments seem like a good idea. He is so sweet and so patient and allows me to clean his eye and get drops on there as long as we keep it at bay. Just last week it flared again and when it does it literally happens overnight and the pain was too much for him to let me near his eye – both this round of antibiotics and the eyedrops he’s been on stopped working so we switched him up for both and seem to have some success right now. I know what to look for and am uber aware and quick to engage the vet. He can’t go for long walks anymore but he bounds around the yard like a bunny (started doing that a while ago). It’s THE CUTEST thing! I have a feeling this has been brewing for a while – he has had a couple of seizure like incidents and for sure had a seizure that I wasn’t home for – my bf was able to help him through that. Now that I read what you’ve shared, more makes sense. But he’s 15!!!! Senior dogs have their own set of challenges so to add this in is tricky! We are working to keep things in check and I do wonder when I’ll know it’s time to let him go – I’m hoping he will tell in his own special way. 🙏🏼
Dear Joanne,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with your beloved boy. Bowser sounds like an amazing pup, and I am so sorry he is having to endure this painful condition. I am certain you are doing all you can for him and hope he can maintain his quality of life for a while longer. Wishing you strength to continue fighting and peace as you walk this emotional path. Bless you and your sweet boy.
Oh dear I’m so sorry I posted twice! You can delete my latest post – any advice you have on what to look for when is welcome! Clearly the doggie dementia is rubbing off 🤷🏻♀️😘
Dear Joanne,
Feel free to leave as many comments as you like and please don’t worry about a duplicate post. I know how hard it can be to determine when to say goodbye to a beloved pup. I will attach links to other articles with more information and great advice from other readers as well. Ultimately, I would rather let go one day too early than one day too late and allow unnecessary suffering. A happy life is important, but so is a peaceful goodbye. Hoping you will get the answers you need to find a clear path forward. Wishing you all the best as you navigate this emotional season of life with Bowser. Bless you and your family. ♥
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. Dog Euthanasia: Knowing When to Say Goodbye
3. How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
4. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
Doctor Buzby, Our 6 year old German shepherd was diagnosed last September, 2023 with a nasal carcinoma after two months of right sided nose bleeds. He underwent 3 Radiation treatments (3 days in a row) and has really been doing very well until the last 6 weeks when he started having nose bleeding again which has now increased to near constant bloody dripping from the right nostril.. He seems happy, playful and in no distress. Is there any place for further radiation treatments since he completed the recommended series of 3 treatments in October? I would hate to put him through the sedation and CT scans again if further radiation treatment is not indicated. Thanks so much.
Hi PJ,
I am sorry your Shepherd is experiencing a relapse with his nasal bleeding. Unfortunately, I am not sure how to advise you when it comes to the specifics of this type of cancer treatment. This would be best discussed with the oncologist. I would recommend talking to your vet about trying Yunna Baiyao to see if it can keep the bleeding to a minimum. Hoping you can get the answers you need to find a clear path forward. Praying for healing and comfort for everyone involved.
We have a 1 year 3 month Labrador, and after two visits to the Vet for the past 1.5 months, where they gave antibiotics and benadryl capsules, there was no progress with his snoring and inability to always breathe from mouth. The surgeon at same Vet happened to look at him, and found some extra tissue in the nose (as we insisted that an X-ray is needed). Now after a lab biopsy, they are stating that it is nasal carcinoma. This is shocking to us. We are trying to figure what are next steps, and options here, given his age.
Hi Mark,
I am sorry your young dog has received this devastating diagnosis. My best recommendation is to ask for a referral to an oncologist. They will be able to go over all the options for treatment and give you detailed information on prognosis and survival times. Hoping you can make the most of the time you are gifted and help your boy find joy in each day. Best wishes and bless you all.
My sweet 11yo Pitt mix Gia stared sneezing blood one evening, and we took her to the emergency vet for diagnosis right away. CT scan showed no tumor and we were thrilled to hear no mass was found. We had 4 mast cell tumors removed about a year to the day her bloody sneezing happened. It was a relief to hear leading suspicion was rhinitis.
Today, I received her biopsy results. Inflamed Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma. Mitotic count 8 in 10 HPF. I guess even without a tumor the cancer cells have compromised her tissue to cause the bleeding. Such a rollercoaster of emotions. All other evidence suggests she is healthy.
I have an oncology consult but know they are going to push for radiation. I’m so torn, between her mast cells and this latest diagnosis it’s cost $30K, and I have a feeling radiation is going to be out of my reach financially. It was $10K just to get to her diagnosis.
I guess what I’m wondering is if I do pursue radiation: what side effects should I anticipate? She’s terrified of going to the vet. How many treatments/panic attacks will she have to endure? Since there is no tumor, I assume this means we caught it early and prognosis with radiation will be better? Like many I’m trying to assess quality of life vs lifespan. I don’t want to selfishly try to buy her more time if that time is filled with physical and emotional trauma. Any insights appreciated. Thank you.
Dear Nikki,
My heart aches for you as you face this difficult situation with Gia. I understand your concern and think it is good you are trying to gather information to make the best choice for everyone involved. Each type of cancer comes with its own specific side effects when it comes to treatment, and it is hard for me to remember all the details. The oncologist is going to be your best source of information and should go over all the options, side effects, and survival times during the initial consultation visit. Don’t feel guilty if you decide to forgo treatment and instead focus on palliative care. The ultimate goal is your dog’s comfort and happiness. Hoping you can get the answers you need and there is a clear path forward. Praying for healing for sweet Gia. Bless you both. ♥
My 1 year old male golden (Buckley) was just diagnosed with nasal cancer although they don’t know which kind as of yet…We are doing everything possible to keep him comfortable…oncologist gave us 6-12 months maybe?. He is having trouble sleeping due to nasal congestion which could be from blood clotting meds. Any suggestions to help my buddy sleep better would be appreciated. TIA.
Hi Dan,
I am sorry Buckley is facing this tragic diagnosis. Without playing a personal role in his medical care it is hard to make suggestions on therapies that would be safe to give along with his current treatment regimen. You can talk to your vet and see if they think a melatonin supplement would be of any benefit. Or they might even be able to add on a mild sedative to help with sleep. Hoping you can find the best way to offer your sweet boy relief. Make the most of the time you are gifted and give Buckley a hug for me. ♥
My gorgeous chocolate lab Brian was diagnosed with a nose tumour in June 2022 at 11years old. They gave him 3 to 6 months and told me his tumour was very aggressive. He is still with me today, his nose has swollen, red raw & drips blood occasionally but he never paws at it & never cries out in pain. He is on Rheumocam daily only but has needed antibiotics twice with an infection. He has beaten the scary diagnosis of 3 to 6 months. and its nearly 2 years since the diagnosis & we are gob smacked. I know it won’t be much longer but I just wanted to say there is hope ❤️
Hi Debbie,
This is such a happy story! What a blessing Brian is still with you and enjoying life. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I am certain this will offer hope to others as they face a scary and unknown path ahead. Wishing you and your sweet boy all the best! ♥
Hello Debbie, my chocolate lab Alfie was diagnosed June 2023 and we were given the same diagnosis.
He is also on Rhemocam once daily, he has always been a quiet boy. He is not showing any signs of pain. His appetite is still as strong as ever and he is his normal happy and scatty self.
He only occasionally paws at his face , but now any more than he ever used to do.
This morning he had a sneezing fit and blood was coming out. This is the first time we have seen blood. But he still looks well in himself.
Thanks for sharing your story , hope we still have more time with our gorgeous boy.
Alison 🤎
Hi Alison,
I am sorry you are facing this difficult diagnosis with Alfie. I am glad he is feeling well and still living a good life. Thank you for offering support and encouragement to others. Wishing you and your sweet boy all the best and praying for many happy days ahead.
We had to say goodbye to our amazing lab mix yesterday. 2-3 months ago we woke up to find blood drops around the house having multiple animals we had no idea which animal it was, a couple days later we found her laying on the couch with the blood running out her nose. We rushed her to the vet. They did scans, blood test and scope and found nothing but the bleeding continued.
We treated her for multiple possibilities but eventually landed just keeping her on blood coagulation meds, prednisone and pain meds. She had two massive bleeds with really larger clots coming out of her nose for about and hour. We couldn’t bear to go through that again or let her suffer anymore.
We unfortunately still don’t know if it was nasal tumors, our amazing vet said it was the only thing he could think could cause such destruction so quickly.
She was 7 and an amazing soul taken to soon. I’m still unsure if it was the right the thing to euthanize her and I’m absolutely heart broken and I hope she know we did it out of love.
Dear Maxine,
My heart goes out to you with the loss of your beloved pup. I agree that saying goodbye was the most loving option and only way to prevent unnecessary suffering. I am certain your girl knew how much you loved her. I hope as time passes the grief will begin to fade and your heart can start to heal. May her memory stay with you always and continue to be a blessing in your life. ♥
Thank you for this article. I wish we had this earlier, not that we would have done anything differently. It would have helped greatly with our knowledge and expectations. Our 11 year old Golden Retriever, Salty started having the reverse sneezing and sneezing symptoms you described starting just days after his 11th birthday in October, ’23. He was taking Apoquel for allergies and last fall was an especially bad year for allergies here. He is in the Golden Retriever Lifetime study and I called his study vet about the sneezing. He suggested adding Benedryl to his regular meds just as you described. After about a week I noticed bright blood dripping from his nose where he slept at night. I stopped the Apoquel and took him in to our study vet who then referred us to the NC State veterinary medicine department for diagnosis. The first appointment we could get was well after the first of the new year. So after many calls, we found a wonderful private veterinary oncologist who would see him immediately. He had a rhinoscopy-guided biopsy and she referred us to the NC State Veterinary Oncology Department. She diagnosed nasal carcinoma, gave me lots of information and and started him on the Yunnan Baiyao you mentioned along with several other medications. She referred us to the NC State Veterinary Oncology Department. After repeated calls for a fast appointment and after a cancellation by someone else (again very long waits for appointments) we were able to have him seen in about a week and he was scheduled for a CT scan, another biopsy and segmented radiation over 10 days for 2 weeks. Both the private and the NC State biopsies resulted in unidentified carcinoma, either Chondrosarcoma, Osteosarcoma or the GRCA person I spoke to suggested Hemangiosarcoma. The time between identification to completed radiation treatment was less than 4 weeks. Salty did very well with the radiation and we had a nice Christmas with our boy. At his 9 week checkup the repeat CT scan showed the nasal tumor was not growing but he has metastases. They found a soft tissue tumor in his right rear leg and small tumors on his lungs, most likely early hemangiosarcoma. They suggested chemotherapy but after speaking to others in the GRCA, we decided to keep him happy and comfortable and do what is necessary until the time comes when he no longer has a good quality of life and we need to let him go. He has his 11 year study visit next week so we will see what the study vet suggests. Salty is sneezing a lot again, but no reverse sneezing. We are seeing some brownish discharge from his nose along with some mucous like discharge now. He has no trouble breathing although he did before the radiation treatments. The hair has now all grown back around his eyes and on his nose and he is happy although he is a bit slower and sleeping quite a bit, probably due to the ongoing meds, Otherwise he is the same loving, smart, happy boy we love so much, So for now we will wait and see. This has all been very expensive, but to us it has been money well spent. We probably would have lost him at Christmas otherwise. Thank you again!
Hi Anne,
I am glad to hear that Salty has gained so much extra quality time since starting treatment for his cancer. I can only imagine how stressful it must be trying to navigate this unknown path. You have done such a great job advocating for his health and well-being. He is a very lucky pup! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Hoping his next evaluation will offer favorable results. Wishing you both continued happiness and success. ♥
Our Tequia girl (Queen T as we call her) started inward sneezing which wasn’t uncommon but it lasted for days. The vet thought allergies so told us to use Benadryl. A few days later she started to have droplets of blood; but it lasted for a day and stopped. But a couple weeks later the blood came back and has not stopped. I don’t know when the right time is to think of euthanizing , I don’t want her to get to the point of not eating (girl loves food) but her inward sneezing and constant bloody nose doesn’t seem comfortable but is that enough…
Dear Hannah,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with Tequia. Without examining her myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions. Is your vet aware of the bleeding and ongoing issues? If not, I encourage you to reach out for help and support. There could be a medication or supplement that would greatly improve your girl’s quality of life. Here is a link to an article that may come in handy when trying to make difficult choices in the near future: Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
Hoping you can find the answers you need and keeping you in my thoughts.
I have a 12.5 year old rat terrier that was diagnosed with SCC 1/4/24 when a mass was found during a dental cleaning. We noticed a small amount of swelling and nasal drainage in the 2-3mo before the diagnosis but assumed it was related to dental disease. She was reverse sneezing and had watery eyes but she’s had allergies since she was a pup so I thought nothing of it. Since the diagnosis the tumor has grown shockingly fast. It seems everyday to get bigger. We took her to oncology and they said she has a few months or weeks without treatment. We don’t have radiation in our area and the cost of chemotherapy is financially out of reach.
I’m so devastated by this diagnosis and the progression. Rat terriers have an expected life span of 15-18yrs and I never imagined we’d lose her before 13 (as naive as that sounds). My sweet girl still loves food, playing (though she has been slowing down – but it’s hard to know if that’s cancer or age), and going for walks. I don’t know when it’s time to euthanize her. She’s started snorting at night and it’s really distressing to me that she seems to struggle to breathe. I don’t want her to die by suffocating because the tumor suddenly blocked her ability to breathe through her nose. When does difficulty breathing mean you should euthanize? This is so hard because there doesn’t seem to be clear answers. I’m trying hard to enjoy our time left but also grappling with the speed with which this is happening. My poor girl, I didn’t think it would end like this…
Thanks for giving space for people experiencing this to share. Good luck to everyone else going through this.
Dear Trisha,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with your senior girl. I am sorry she is having trouble breathing during the night and can see how this would be alarming and cause you to stress and worry. Unfortunately, you are correct when you say there are just no clear answers for something like this. Each case is so different, and it is hard to tell you what to expect as thing progress. Don’t forget your vet is on your side and you can lean on them to help guide you as you navigate this unknown path. I will attach links to other articles with more information on how to evaluate quality of life and how to know when it is time to say goodbye. Thank you for being willing to reach out to others and offer sympathy and encouragement. You are a blessing and I wish you nothing but the best. Give your sweet girl a hug for me. ♥
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
3. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
My ESA had started a reverse sneezing attack ( which we had gotten used to because our vet told us it was caused by allergies) my husband and I sat with her and tried to work her through it when I noticed a spot of blood on the rug. I started frantically searching for where it was coming from when we realized it was coming from her nose. We did everything we could think of to get it to stop. It slowed down but didn’t completely stop so we took her to the vet. The vet came back in the room with her and informed us that with all of her symptoms it was almost certainly a nasal tumor and just recommended supportive care. Ever since we got home all I can think is how unfair this feels. There’s not a person who has met my girl that has disliked her. I dread the idea of having to lose her but every time I hear her struggle to breathe I know that it’s coming. I’ve had her since the day she was born so she’s become like my child. I don’t want her to suffer but I dread the day that I’ll have to make the decision to let her go and I’m struggling with when it should be time.
Dear Rebecca,
I am so sorry your girl is dealing with these severe symptoms, and she is facing an uncertain future. I will attach links to other articles with more advice on how to know when it is time to say goodbye. Make the most of the time you are gifted and try to find a bit of joy in each day. Wishing you comfort and peace as you navigate this difficult path. Give your sweet girl a hug for me. ♥
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
3. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
Rebecca – I noticed you posted just a few days before I got here so we’re both experiencing this terrible thing with our girls. I’ve also had my dog since she was 12wks old and have gone through so many things with her by my side over the last 12 years. It’s so hard to lose our babies but it’s somewhat comforting to know I’m not the only dog mama dealing with this right now. Sending you and your girl love and strength.
I too am going through the same thing my fur baby diagnosed with a nasal tumour November 23 and I’m really unsure what to do..I notice her health is declining she’s struggling to breath every now and again and her nose is bleeding more often. I can see the shape of her snout has changed ever so slightly and her eye seems watery and glazed! I feel her time is fast approaching but I’m not sure what to do right now.
Hi Gerrilou,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with your pup. Make sure your vet is aware of these changes and don’t be afraid to ask for a referral to a specialist if you need more information. Praying for clarity and strength. Bless you and your sweet girl.
Rebecca,
I’m so sorry. I lost my adopted miniature schnauzer today due an unknown, undiagnosed, assumed late-stage nasal or brain tumor. The agency I adopted him from had him diagnosed for weepy crusty eyes (assumed Srogens), spondylitis, external benign tumor growths (one which they had removed), and general allergies. Ever since I had adopted him late January at the age of 12, he snored lightly and loudly at night. The last three nights he seemed unusually tired and begging to go to sleep. The last two days he lost interest in eating. He also had a minor nose bleed which I assumed was allergy sensitivity. The. last morning, he woke up much later than usual. He was slow to go eat. He wouldn’t drink much. He had been pacing the floor often the last four or five days, too. On the last morning, he suddenly had violent, turbulent sneezing, snorting, and reverse sneezing and a bit of coughing. He coughed up so much blood it covered 20 square feet. I cleaned up the blood, tried to soothe him and clean him up. Started calling vets. Nobody could get him in, no appointments. My dog had two more turbulent events in the same morning spanning 2 hours. The same 20 sq ft. The 3rd time, I already suspected I had to put him down. He had lost too much blood to survive. He was going into shock. (I knew this because I have gone into shock myself from autoimmune events and know the symptoms.) I called municipal animal services. They could put him down for me. I took my dog wrapped in towels including over his face because he was still sneezing blood everywhere. I arrived. Staff stared at him. I asked if I should have him put down. They recommended I see an emergency vet. I told them I had been calling everywhere. They told me where I could take him. We went. The emergency vet examined my dog.. They didn’t have MRI nor Xray onsite. They advised they could run biopsy and test for cancer and would take a few days. I asked about quality of life, age, and situation of dogs seen with the same symptoms and history. They said they could give him steroids and pack the bleed and see if that worked. I asked the technician her thoughts on what I had seen at home, and how he was in the moment. She said the common things she has seen is what seemed to fit my dog’s case. The weeping eyes, the recent dental extractions, and the external tumor excision with the horribly bloody sneezing event traumatizing this poor dog… It all pointed to an inoperable, untreatable tumor. It had grown fast and unseen. …..I loved that little guy. I am raw. I lost him this morning. He is the best dog I have had to date. I did the right thing by him. I prevented an injurious suffering and painful death for a peaceful one.. At this date so far invested in, I wouldn’t trade those 19 days with this dog for anything. But, if I had known his trouble sooner, I would not have adopted him. This has been tragic and traumatizing. I miss him terribly. But I did the right thing for him.
Rebecca, you know your dog. I know you love your dog. You will k ow what the right thing to do is and when best to do your duty by your sweet pet.
My warm regards,
Sincerely,
Crystal
Dear Crystal,
I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of your senior guy. You did everything you could to ensure he was happy and comfortable and gave him the opportunity to know joy in his last days. Thank you for sharing your story with us and for offering support and empathy to others. Wishing you healing and peace. Bless you. ♥
Our Great Dane, Edge, developed a very crusty nose about 18 months ago. We took him in in February 2023 so we would know how to treat it. At that time the veterinarian gave us a few possible causes (one was a nasal tumor) and we treated the hyperkeratosis with an over the counter remedy. In June, we noted a small lump appearing near his eye on his nose and he developed a mucous discharge from teh other nostril. We took him back in in November when the lump became larger. It was not due to a fungal infection. His XRays did not show a tooth abscess and did show a mass in his left paranasal sinus. We opted not to try oncology or surgical treatment because it wouldn’t be a longer BETTER quality of life. We treated multiple sinus infections with antibiotics and he also had a couple serious nosebleeds. Every time we would stop antibiotics (amoxicillin or doxy), within a week the infection would start up again and his whole face and head would swell up. He was miserable.
Even though antibiotics were giving him a good quality of life in general, he is having a hard time relaxing, breathing and sleeping at night. It’s such a hard decision to let him go…..but we feel we would rather do it now before seizures and a great deal of pain occur and he is miserable. Keep us in your prayers and thoughts. He Was a lovely, well-bred dog with an impeccable and famous pedigree and is my husband’s best friend and has been a wonderful companion. Tomorrow will be his last car ride. Our hearts are breaking.
Dear Pam,
I am so sorry for your recent loss of Edge. I can only imagine how much he is missed but I am certain you made the right choice in offering your beloved boy freedom from his suffering. Thank you for being willing to share his story with our readers. It helps others to know they are not alone when facing difficult situations and decisions. May the memories of all the good times you shared bring you joy. Praying for your healing and comfort. ♥
Last week I noted some small, watery blood spots on my bed sheets where my chihuahua mutt sleeps in the bed. I brought him to the vet not knowing what the problem was. I hoped it was a UTI or bleeding gums, but the vet discovered the blood was coming from his left nostil. The vet has prescribed carprofen and amoxicillin for two weeks to see if it is possibly a gum infection that has leaked to the nasal cavity. The vet also mentioned the nostril tumor.
I came home and started researching the nasal tumor possibility. It made me realize I’ve notice other symptoms: “reverse sneezing” occasionally (which I chalked up to dry air in my house over the winter), occasional scratching the left side of his muzzle (the blood side), and a weird “crooked smile” where he would pull back his lips, also on the left side.
I’m starting to suspect that the nasal tumor may be the reason.
My heart is completely broken, as this little guy has been in my life for 7 years. I adopted him from the humane society. He was an older dog when I got him (judging from the gray beard), and he came with heart worms, which I helped to get him cured of, and he has been the best companion I’ve had in my life. He has a heart murmur, which the vet describes as heart disease. She also said this heart issue will complicate any treatments that he may get.
I live alone, work full-time, and I don’t believe there is any dog hospice in my area (although I’ve only started to look into this.) I’m very worried about a massive bleed while I’m at work.
I’m so torn as to whether to pursue chemo, or radiation, as often this can be so hard on the dog, and again, I’m alone and would have to give all this care myself.
I don’t have any specific questions, but it helps to be able to write some of this down. Please comment on anything that my story may have brought up. Thank you.
Dear Dwayne,
My heart goes out to you as you navigate this difficult path. I agree this sounds very suspicious of a nasal tumor. It might be a good idea to talk to your vet about a referral to a specialist. There they can give you more information and go through all your options in detail. I also highly recommend having the herbal supplement Yunnan Baiyao on hand especially for emergency bleeding situations. I wish I had better advice and could tell you what was best. Wishing you both a clear path forward and praying for a positive outcome.
We noticed increased sneezing and reverse sneezing in my sweet black lab in January 2023 when she was 12. In early March, she had her first severe facial swelling and nose bleed and we had to take her to an emergency vet. A CT revealed an advanced nasal tumor and we were told we probably had less than 3 months with her untreated.
The veterinary oncologist told us there were promising smaller studies with a low-dose chemo called Palladia and that it could be a helpful palliative measure to slow the growth and reduce her symptoms. The dogs in the studies had a mean survival time of 4.5-5 months, but she warned us it would probably be less since her cancer was so advanced, but we were willing to do anything we could. Due to the advanced stage and distance to a facility that offered radiation, she did not recommend this for my girl.
She showed some signs of nausea after her first dose of Palladia but otherwise just seemed a little lethargic on the days we gave it to her. It seemed to really relieve her symptoms.
Yunnan Baiyoa was also like magic for the bleeding! I was so skeptical of this homeopathic remedy, but happily surprised.
Unfortunately as the cancer grew, she had a few severe infections and swelling around her face, and we ultimately decided to keep her on antibiotics full time (changing them out if one stopped working).
Her happiness and quality of life guided our decisions, So, we also made sure she had all the pain management we could give her (gabapentin and carprofen).
After her diagnosis we spoiled her with all the treats, pup cups, and walks in new places every day. The roller coaster of her illness and its progression was unbelievably devastating but she was my heart dog and I’d do it all again to have her with me. She survived a miraculous 7 months after diagnosis.
On October 22, 2023 (age 13) we had to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize her after she rapidly developed a new infection and neurologic symptoms (circling and head pressing into walls).
I really struggled to know the right time to say goodbye because even as some symptoms worsened (more difficulty breathing and sleeping at night), she still seemed happy and eager to go on walks, eat (a lab of course!), and show us all the love. Although it was hard to see her suffer when she had an infection, she had so many happy days between that outnumbered the sick days. I think I’ll always have some guilt and doubts about if I chose the right time, but it felt like she showed me when she was ready.
I’m so sorry to anyone going through this now. Soak in all the love and time your have with your pup and spoil them silly 🙂
Dear Rachel,
I am sorry for the loss of your beloved pup. What a blessing you were gifted with 7 extra months to love on her and make some lasting memories. Thank you for sharing your story with us. It is a comfort to others to know they are not alone when facing a similar situation. May your girl’s memory be with you always and bring joy to your life. Bless you. ♥
Rachel tears in my eyes reading your story and literally just gone through this horrible illness with my beloved pet who was only 6.
I found this site searching to ease my pain as I constantly ask myself did I do the right thing, was I too early … should I have waited.?
It’s so hard and the guilt of taking a heart is truly breaking at all levels.
Just wanted to say thinking about you and going through the same feelings having said goodbye to my fur baby and 11th January this year and I miss here more than I could ever have imagined.
❤️
Dear Michelle,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved pup. My heart goes out to you as you work your way through these difficult emotions. Bless you. ♥
Hi Dr. Buzby,
We have a 12 year old Frenchie who has been sneezing brownish yellow mucus for about 2 months. We have taken her to the Vet and tested her mucus. No infection either bacterial or viral detected. She recently (4 months ago) at TECA-BO surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in her ear canal. She did have an CT Scan and the cancer did not spread. Now our vet wants us to do another CT Scan. Our French has bad allergies and I was wondering if we should try Benadryl for a week to see if the symptoms subside. If it is a nasal tumor I am not sure how to move forward. She is 12 and I want her to enjoy her life and not go through treatments that will most likely not produce a great prognosis. I was wondering your thoughts on the Benadryl. No other symptoms besides the mucus. Is discharge mostly a symptom of airborne allergies or can this also be a good allergy?
Thanks for your time and informative post,
Jamie and Lauren.
Hi Jamie,
I am sorry your Frenchie is having this persistent nasal drainage. I am not sure the Benadryl will offer much help, but it shouldn’t be a problem to give it a try. Each animal species has an “organ” that is associated with allergies. In humans our lungs are the allergy organ so we usually show symptoms of sneezing and nasal drainage. For dogs, the allergy organ is their skin. So, while respiratory symptoms from allergies are possible, they are not common. Most dogs with allergies present with itching and other skin problems. This is also true for food allergies. Without playing a personal role in your dog’s medical care, it is hard to know if the CT is a good way to proceed or if you should be looking elsewhere. Here is a link to an article all about nasal tumors just so you will have the most up to date information: Nasal Tumors in Dogs: A Dog Parent’s Guide
And in case this does end up being allergy related, here is one with good advice for that too: Allergy Medicine for Dogs: 9 Solutions to Calm Your Dog’s Itch
Hoping you can get the answers you need to find a clear path forward. Praying your sweet girl can get some relief and continue living her best life for many years to come.
I have a 7 year old male German Shepard. He has a polyp nasal tumor localized in the center of his forehead and is migrating towards his left eye causing deformity. The vet took X-rays and labs, where everything looked normal. Which is how they can tend to present if the tumor is not malignant. For the last 4 months he has had severe nose bleeds, snoring respirations, his left eye waters, and an increase of appetite versus a decrease. I struggled to find the answer to his symptoms for months. Finally I have. He still eats, plays, drinks, normal bathroom habits and is happy. Our vet prescribed him daily prednisone which has helped drag out his life expectancy and we feed him high protein. He has beat the life expectancy of the 2-3 months due to this. Although soon I know I will have to euthanize him. I hope this helps anybody else looking for an answer. Radiation treatment for your pup is a poor choice and painful. I hope you choose to make them comfortable and happy like I have.
Dear Makena,
I am sorry your Shepherd is dealing with the effects of this growing nasal tumor. What a blessing the prednisone was able to offer some extended time with your beloved pup. While radiation can be a good option, I understand it isn’t for everyone and glad you found what works best for your situation. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and praying for your strength as you navigate the tough road ahead.
My 15 year-old handsome Shitzu-Bichon mix Jojo started having occasional nose bleeds and reverse-sneezing about a year and a half ago. We treated it as allergies at first. Then he went completely deaf about nine months ago. Then he started having goopy eyes and was very saliva-sounding so put him on antibiotics and eye drops and had some teeth pulled in May which helped with the mouth sounds. He’s been slowly declining, with some dementia and pacing at night. Two weeks ago he woke up violently sneezing and had a heavy bloody nose from both nostrils for hours, it finally slowed down after a day and stopped on the third day. He’s now on Yunnan Baiyo and Enroquin antibiotic and is back to senior-normal. Just had a CT-scan done to confirm that it is a nasal tumor and they found that it is significant in the nasal cavity. There is destruction of the frontal sinus and surrounding structures as well. We didn’t bother with a biopsy, because at age 15, it doesn’t matter. I won’t do radiation or steroids. So for now he is happy and living a good life… real chicken with his kibble and lots of attention and love. My question is, how long do you think he has and how will I know when he’s in discomfort….. he’s not communicative anymore since he turned deaf. Or he will just have one major nose-bleed and then I’ll know. I don’t want him to suffer and I’m also selfishly hoping I don’t have to go through the trauma of a massive bleed-out. Any advice?
Dear Debra,
I am sorry Jojo has developed this aggressive nasal tumor. I wish I could tell you what to expect but unfortunately these things are a bit unpredictable. Signs to watch for are similar to other end stage chronic conditions. These include sleeping more, lack of appetite, pale gums, inability to get comfortable, painful around the head and face, increased effort when breathing, lethargy, etc. I will attach links to other articles with more information on how to monitor quality of life and guidance on knowing when is best to let go. Hoping you will be able to keep your sweet boy comfortable and happy for as long as possible. Bless you and give Jojo a hug for me. ♥
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. Signs Your Dog is Dying: A Caring Message to Bring You Peace
3. Dog Euthanasia: Knowing When to Say Goodbye
4. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
My 9 year old labradoodle was diagnosed with nasal carcinoma in May. We have taken her off of kibble, cooking all organic food, supplements (turkey tail mushrooms, chaga, turmeric, melatonin and meloxicam. She has responded amazingly…we have been icing her nose for comfort as she has started the snorting, rumbling in her throat and most recently bleeding. She has lost so much blood in the last few days, that we aren’t quite sure what to do. To look at her, she is the picture of health and plays along side our poodle. We do not want her to suffer and just need to know the right thing to do. I have read that phenylephrine could help with the nose bleeds which are becoming more frequent. Please advise as this is heartwrenching….we cannot leave her alone as she may bleed out. Thank you for your help.
Heartbroken in SC.
Dear Erin,
I am sorry your sweet girl is struggling with so much bleeding. Phenylephrine drops can be helpful for nose bleeds, and I do often prescribe them in cases like this. This treatment is mentioned in the article and is located just below the paragraph about holistic treatment. The main holistic therapy I recommend is the herbal supplement Yunnan Baiyao. It is often used for dogs with internal bleeding from splenic tumors but should be effective for any bleeding issue. You can talk to your vet and see if they have it on hand. I wish there was some other great advice I could offer. Praying you can find the best way to restore your pup’s quality of life and give her more time. Wishing you all the best. ♥
helloo. I’m so sorry to hear about your baby. I have an 8yo Pyrenees mix who was diagnosed this time last year, underwent radiation, gave us a solid 9 months of perfect health until explosive crazy bleeds started. I can’t recommend Yunnan Baiyao enough to help control/cut down on the bleeds. The packs also include a TINY “emergency red pill” for when your dog has had a crazy bleed to help rebuild the blood. My dog and I have been in the ER.. more times than I can count over the course of November as we’re likely reaching the end. I just started phenylephrine today to help with swelling and it’s been wonderful for short term assistance for her breathing. But I really can’t recommend Yunnan Baiyao enough from my own experience with my girl. Best of luck to you and your baby. This stuff is scary and.. sucks, for lack of a better word. If it’s any consolation, you’re not alone in what you’re dealing with.
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for being willing to share your experience with our readers. I am sorry your sweet girl’s health is declining and you are facing some difficult decisions in the near future. What a blessing you gained an extra 9 months of quality time together after the radiation. Hoping you can make the most of the time you have left. Wishing you both comfort and peace. ♥
Is the life expectancy improved for a younger dog receiving radiation for Nasal Cancer? Most studies say the average age is 10 years old? I have a newly diagnosed 6 year old Silver lab. Waiting for final tumor histology and referral to Vet Oncologist.
Dear Mitch,
I am so sorry your young dog is facing such an uncertain future. I am not certain, but do not think a younger age at time of diagnosis changes the prognosis with this type of cancer. Also, I have seen some strange things with silver Labs in particular. The silver color comes from a recessive gene and usually when this coat color is selectively bred, it also produces many other genetic “issues” that can surface as time goes on. Praying you receive good news and the visit with the oncologist will offer a clear path forward. Wishing you all the best.
Dr Buzby
What other strange things have you seen with a silver lab. I have an 8 yr silver male but he is not the one suffering from nasal carcinoma. my 9.5 yr old beagle/pit mix was seen by an internist last week for a mass seen in the laryngeal area. I had taken her to the ER for respiratory distress and xray showed a mass several weeks before that. A year
prior, I noticed my dog staring into space during the night( almost like sun downers) and she could not yawn, basically chasing pain. so I had her put under to check her mouth, ears, etc and xrays. only thing noted was slight TMJ. Fast forward to Nov 2023, the week we moved into Mt mother-in-law house while we were transitioning to another house, my dogs sneezing, reverse sneezing, epistaxis began to get worse. I literally thought it was the house ( because I got a random eye infection). When my dog was seen last week by the internist, she did a needle aspiration of her lymph nodes and malignancy was noted. Liver bx neg and per xray nothing noted in the lungs. Since she currently has reverse sneezing, nadal bleeding, left eye drainage ( at times the left eye will bleed), left eyelid drooping, and left head tilting, snooring, they determined the source was from the nasal cavity. She currently takes the magical pill Prednisone 20mg/daily. The oncologist said we could also try an NSAID called peroxicam(sp?) because a few studies had been done on this med. Currently she eats, drinks, wants attention, etc because of the Prednisone. Do you think she had a slow growing cancer a year ago when I became concerned? when the vet said tmj my gut told me different. Also, could this be a result of being around a person who vapes( my husband)? I’m devastated, this is my third dog who has not lived past the age of 10 and the other two dogs were missed dx with other problems. The oncologist kept saying I don’t even consider this a senior dog because she’s a beagle and a mutt. I feel like we are doing something wrong
..i.e dog food, environment.
Best,Kristina
Dear Kristina,
I am sorry you have been through so much with your senior girl. It is possible that this cancer was to blame for the strange symptoms you noticed last year, but it was just not advanced enough to be detected at the time. I would not think this could be a complication from your husband’s vaping. Usually if something similar was to cause a problem it would be lung issues (COPD, bronchitis, asthma, etc.) due to secondhand smoke from cigarettes. I honestly don’t think you are doing anything wrong. This is just how our broken world works. Please don’t continue to carry around the unnecessary burden of guilt. You have taken action every time you noticed a problem and are doing everything you can to ensure your sweet girl remains happy and comfortable. As far as silver Labs go, they frequently have lots of skin problems, allergies, color dilution alopecia, chronic ear infections, and can be a bit fearful/aggressive as compared to most very loving and friendly Labs. This is not to say all sliver Labs are this way! There are definitely some wonderful pups out there….it just isn’t the “norm” for this genetic makeup. Wishing you and your girl all the best and praying for healing and peace.
Dr Buzby
Thank you for responding. I made the hardest decision to put her down May 14th. My 6 yo wanted another dog quickly, so two days later we adopted a puppy. Some asked why so soon, but honestly it has helped.
Best,Kristina
Dear Kristina,
I am sorry for the loss of your beloved girl. I can only imagine how difficult it was to make the decision to say goodbye. I don’t blame you one bit for getting a puppy so quickly. Love heals all wounds, and I can’t think of a better kind of love than that shared between a child and their dog. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Wishing you and your family brighter days ahead. ♥