What is Nose Bleed?
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
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Average Cost
$800
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Symptoms of Nose Bleed in Cats
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:
- Bleeding from the nose
- Snorting
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Facial swelling
- Pawing at or rubbing the nose or face
- Bad breath
- Trouble breathing
- Exercise intolerance
- Bleeding gums
- Unexplained bruising
- Dizziness or confusion
- Dark or black feces
- Prolonged bleeding from wounds or injection sites
Causes of Nose Bleed in Cats
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:
- Nasal trauma or injury
- Head trauma or injury
- Foreign body in nasal or sinus passage
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections, including feline leukemia and immunodeficiency viruses
- Parasites
- Fungal infections
- Liver or kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Blood clotting issues, including hemophilia
- Blood platelet issues
- Anemia
- Nasal ulcerations
- Some cancers
- Certain cancer treatments
- Poisons, including rat poison
- Toxins
- Anxiety
- Certain medications
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Dental abscesses
- Allergens
- Environmental factors
Diagnosis of Nose Bleed in Cats
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 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.
Treatment of Nose Bleed in Cats
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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Recovery of Nose Bleed in Cats
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.
Nose Bleed Average Cost
From 366 quotes ranging from $200 - $8,000
Average Cost
$800
Top
Nose Bleed Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
domestic cat
Eleven Years
36 found this helpful
36 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
cat has been sneezing for awhile, started bleeding from left nostril, took to the vet, got antibiotics, took all the medications but the bloody nose came back again - what do I do ?
May 5, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
36 Recommendations
Hi there and thank you for your question.
At this stage, I would advise we run some tests.
We need to check for e.g. a foreign body (like a grass seed), a polyp (benign growth), tooth root abscess, fungal infection or tumour.
This usually means tests such as an xray or rhinoscopy (small camera up the nose).
Hopefully we get to the bottom of this soon.
May 5, 2021
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Domestic Shorthair Cat
Ten Years
15 found this helpful
15 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Thick Mucus Coming Out Of Nose, And Sneezing Frequently
Just wondering if this could be allergies? He still eats & purrs!
Jan. 12, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
15 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
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N/A
Eighteen Years
20 found this helpful
20 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bloody Nose, Swelling Face And Eye
Her nose is bleeding and she has a swollen eye with pus coming out.
Sept. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
20 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
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Domestic Cat
One year
16 found this helpful
16 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nose Bleed
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
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
16 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
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Domestic cat
Six Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dried Blood In Nose, Wheezing Sounds, Lethargic,
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
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 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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Calico
Bean
12 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nose Bleed
Lethargy
Aggression
Not Eating
Blood Vessel In Eye
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
European shorthaired
Meena
21 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Not Eating
Bleeding From Mouth
Bleeding From Nose
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?
Nose Bleed Average Cost
From 366 quotes ranging from $200 - $8,000
Average Cost
$800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
