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Nosebleeds, referred to as epistaxis, are a condition in which blood or bloody discharge occurs from the nose. Epistaxis can be a symptom of a serious medical condition like cancer or organ failure. It is also commonly caused by sinus or respiratory infections or injuries to the nose or head. Nosebleeds can affect one or both nostrils, and this distinction can aid in diagnosing the underlying cause of the condition. Epistaxis can occur in cats of any age, breed, or sex, and there are no clear risk factors that increase the chances of your pet experiencing nosebleeds. If your pet is experiencing nosebleeds on a frequent basis or a nosebleed takes more time than normal to stop, seek medical attention immediately.
Nose Bleed Average Cost
From 366 quotes ranging from $200 - $8,000
Average Cost
$800
The primary symptom of nosebleeds is blood or bloody mucus from one or both nostrils. Cats experiencing nosebleeds may exhibit a variety of symptoms associated with the underlying cause of the epistaxis. It is also possible that a nosebleed is the only symptom the animal experiences.
Symptoms include:
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Nosebleeds are generally a symptom of an infection, disorder, injury, or disease. It may also be caused by poisoning or toxicity. On some occasions, the cause of the nosebleed will be undeterminable, and it may be an isolated incident. Common causes of epistaxis in cats and other companion animals include:
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Because of the large number of conditions that can cause nosebleeds, diagnosing the underlying cause of your pet’s condition may require numerous diagnostic methods. Be prepared to discuss your cat’s medical history and behavior, daily routine, and any symptoms you have observed. If your pet has recently been injured, been around toxins or poisons, or exhibited any other symptoms, be sure to advise your veterinarian. A full physical examination will be conducted with a special focus on facial, ocular, and nasal abnormalities. Veterinary staff will also take blood and urine samples and perform a nasal swab.
Blood, urine, and nasal samples will be cultured for bacteria and fungus. Additional laboratory blood testing will include a complete blood cell count, serum biochemistry, electrolyte panel, and clotting test. A urinalysis will also be completed. If the cause is not easily diagnosed using these methods, diagnostic imaging techniques may be used. X-rays or other imaging techniques allow veterinary staff to look at the nasal passages and surrounding structures. Certain cases may require rhinoscopy, which involves examining the nasal cavities with a small tool called an endoscope. A tissue biopsy may also be required.
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The treatment for epistaxis will depend on the underlying cause. Treatments may range from simple measures to stop the bleeding to prescription medications or more invasive measures like surgery or blood transfusions. If your pet experiences nosebleeds at home, do not attempt to provide them with any medication unless advised to do so by a veterinarian, as this could cause serious complications. The following treatment methods are commonly used to treat nosebleeds in cats:
Icing & Pressure
Ice or a cold compress, applied to the nose and face, may be used to stop bleeding and treat any facial swelling. This is a common practice for nosebleeds caused by injury or inflammation. If icing does not stop the bleeding, the nasal cavity may be packed with gauze to provide pressure and decrease blood flow.
Antibiotics or Other Medications
If an infection is the cause of the nosebleeds, medication may be prescribed to clear up the infection. Antibiotics, antifungals, or parasite eliminating medications will be used depending on the source of the infection. Proper dosing is needed to reduce the risk of side effects.
Intravenous (IV) Fluids
Fluid therapy is often used for animals experiencing weakness or lethargy. They help maintain proper hydration and can aid in restoring electrolyte balance. This common treatment is considered low-risk.
Blood Pressure or Anxiety Medications
Drugs may be used to reduce blood pressure and lower stress levels as these conditions can increase nosebleed risk. This medication may be prescribed for use on a long-term basis if blood pressure or anxiety is determined to be the cause.
Surgical Intervention
Surgery to remove an object or tumor, to repair damage, or to surgically cauterize blood vessels may be needed. Any surgical procedure carries some risk. Your pet will likely be hospitalized during recovery.
Blood Transfusion
If blood disorders are present or anemia is severe, a blood or plasma transfusion may be required. Proper blood typing and adherence to transfusion protocol will help reduce the risks associated with this form of treatment.
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Your cat’s prognosis will depend on the underlying condition causing their nosebleeds. In many cases the prognosis is good, and your pet will require minimal treatment and downtime. More severe cases, including cancers, organ failure, and blood disorders, have a guarded to fair prognosis and may require hospitalization or long-term treatment. Be sure to follow all of your veterinarian’s treatments, including proper dosing of any medication and returning for any requested follow-up visits. Seek medical attention if your cat’s symptoms return or worsen. While your pet is recovering, reduce stress and avoid any changes to your cat’s living environment.
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Nose Bleed Average Cost
From 366 quotes ranging from $200 - $8,000
Average Cost
$800
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Ask a Vet
Domestic Shorthair Cat
Ten Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Just wondering if this could be allergies? He still eats & purrs!
Jan. 12, 2021
Owner
Dr. Maureen M. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hi, This could be an environmental allergy caused by inhaling either dust or pollen or it could also be a respiratory infection. Either way, I would advise a visit to the vet for a more tentative diagnosis and treatment.
Jan. 12, 2021
Was this experience helpful?
N/A
Eighteen Years
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Her nose is bleeding and she has a swollen eye with pus coming out.
Sept. 29, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question, I'm sorry that your pet is having problems. With the signs that you are describing and her age, I would be very concerned about a tumor of some kind in her eye or nasal passages. The best thing to do for her would be to have her seen by a veterinarian right away, as they can see her, examined her, and see what treatment they might be able to give for her. I hope that she is okay.
Oct. 2, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Domestic Cat
One year
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My cat recently started to have nose bleeds. The blood only comes out of his left nostril. The nose bleed starts with a sneeze, blood comes out of the nostril when he sneezes, and then continues to bleed for a half our to am hour. It eventually stops. Vet did preliminary blood work which was normal and is now doing more extensive bloodwork. Vet thinks it may be a polyp in his nasal cavity. He has no other symptoms and is eating, drinking, and acting normally otherwise.
Aug. 6, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. A polyp is likely, given his young age, as is a nasal foreign body. If your veterinarian has the equipment to scope your cats nose, that would probably be the next step. I hope that all goes well for him.
Aug. 6, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Domestic cat
Six Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My cat that is outdoors during the day was out for probably 24 hours came home and was missing his collar, his nose has dried blood in it and almost a bruise looking patch on his chin, he is making wheezing sounds, and his back claws are all broken and dirty. He ate but is now hiding and won’t let me touch and the other cat won’t stop hissing at him. Do you think I need to take him to a vet right away or see how he is doing after a day?
Aug. 1, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question . It sounds like he may have been hit by a car or had a terrible trauma, and I do think that he needs to be seen right away by a veterinarian. I hope that he is okay.
Aug. 1, 2020
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Mixed indian breed
Four Months
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My brother threw the cat twice, a few days back and today. But today his nose started bleeding very badly. He's barely moving. What should I do
July 15, 2020
Owner
Dr. Gina U. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello If your cat was thrown twice and has a nose bleed, it is recommended that you take him to a veterinarian right away. He could some type of head trauma. They will want to give pain medication and possibly do some x-rays of his skull and whole body. Good luck.
July 15, 2020
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Bean
Calico
12 Weeks
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My kitten was fine and playing the night before but seemed to not want to cuddle with me which is out of character. So we took her to her sisters for a kitty playdate to try and cheer her up. She was aggressive towards her so we went to put her in the car for a cool down when she but my boyfriend hard so he tossed her in the car. I later went and got her and noticed blood on her assuming it was his I started cleaning her up that's when I realized her nose was bleeding and has been for the past 8 hours . She wont wake up for long and when I try to move her she growls at me. She hasn't eaten in 12+ hours so I tried to give her food she wouldn't eat, tried water wont drink. I'm going to try and take her to the vet in 6 hours when they open but I'm panicking.i also noticed she has a burst blood vessel on her eye
Meena
European shorthaired
21 Weeks
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
We found her laying in the street. We don't know if she was run over or something but shes acting completely different. She won't eat. And wants to do nothing but sleep. She had blood coming out of her eyes, mouth and nose all at once. What do we do?
Caramel
stray
3 Months
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Caramel used to be a very energetic and healthy kitten when I first found him (at about 1 month old). We lost him at the end of last month only to find him being taken care of at a vet clinic. When they found him he seemed to have had a runny nose and some eye problems. We took him home just a week ago and have been continuing his medication. He'd been doing much better ever since we took him home. His eye cleared up in just a few days and his nose had been getting much better but he's been very lethargic ever since we got him back. Yesterday he ate only a little in the morning and threw up at afternoon and then again in the evening. I tried to give him something to eat but he didn't eat anything else that day. Today morning my mother said he ate lots which I was very happy about and when I came back from school he ate again without complaint. But just a bit later I noticed a lump on his head, under the skin. I tried gently examining the lump with my hand and it looks like it's soft, almost as if it's filled with fluid or air. Then just a bit later I noticed there was blood on his nose. He's not bleeding a lot but I'm still very worried.
Norman
mixed
16 Weeks
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
I adopted a cat from a foster home acouple of weeks ago. I’ve taken him to the vet and his on Medication right now. But this morning i found that he had a nosebleed. I’m just worried it might be something worse.
Ginger and Alex
Both calico
1 Year
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
I have two cats that had nose bleeds this morning they have never had it one is a year old and the other one is 10 they never had this I'm wondering if it's something serious. They have no other symptoms except for the nose bleed
Nose Bleed Average Cost
From 366 quotes ranging from $200 - $8,000
Average Cost
$800
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