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Pink Growths in the Nose in Cats
What is Pink Growths in the Nose?
These pink nasal growths are commonly found in young cats, no more than two years old. A nasal or nasopharyngeal polyp, might first be indicated by snoring or difficulty breathing during physical activity. As the masses grow, the feline begins developing similar symptom to feline respiratory disease and are often falsely diagnosed. Nasal or nasopharyngeal polyps are often found after antibiotic treatments for respiratory disease have proven ineffective.
Pink growths in the nose in cats are noncancerous masses that impact a feline’s respiratory system. Veterinarians use two terms to describe pink growths in the nose of cats: nasal polyps and nasopharyngeal polyps. Pinks growths that arise from the moist mucous membranes inside the nose and nowhere else are referred to as nasal polyps. However, if the growth spreads from the nasal cavity to the soft palate, middle ear, or back of the throat, the growth is called a nasopharyngeal polyp.
Pink Growths in the Nose Average Cost
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Average Cost
$500
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Symptoms of Pink Growths in the Nose in Cats
Common Symptoms of nasopharyngeal polyps include:
- Difficulty breathing
- The meow may change, becoming deeper or more quiet
- Noisy breathing
- Nasal discharge
- Head tilt
- Head shaking
- Balance problems
- Ear scratching
- Nystagmus (eyes moving involuntarily)
- Odor from the ear
- Ear infection
- Swallowing difficulties
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Weight loss
In severe cases, nasopharyngeal polyps can cause symptoms associated with Horner’s Syndrome. The eye’s pupil will appear small, the third eyelid will protrude, the eye itself may look sunken the socket, and the eyelid may droop down, covering a portion of the eyeball.
Symptoms of nasal polyps include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Snoring
- Nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Disinterest in food due to lack of smell
- Breathing through the mouth
Causes of Pink Growths in the Nose in Cats
Veterinary experts are in disagreement as to the specific cause of pink growths in the nose in cats.
Some veterinarians believe that nasal and nasopharyngeal polyps are a hereditary, genetic mutation that was passed down from parent to offspring, present at the time of birth. The theory is based on the connection between regular tumor growth and polyp growth. It is a known fact that tumors, especially cancerous tumors, are often found in the same bloodline and genetic makeup.
Other veterinarians believe nasal and nasopharyngeal polyps to be a secondary response to a respiratory virus, causing inflammatory changes to the feline’s cells. Common viruses believed to be associated with these growths include calicivirus and herpesvirus, as cats that recovered from these respiratory distresses developed a polyp soon after.
Diagnosis of Pink Growths in the Nose in Cats
Your veterinarian may begin the diagnostic process with an examination of the feline’s mouth, nose, and ears through the use of an otoscope. However, the soft palate often hides pink growths and an accurate diagnosis will need a more advanced diagnostic tool like an x-ray of the skull or CT scan. Your cat will likely be anesthetized for the entire exam to keep her calm, reduce stress, and allow for a thorough examination.
The veterinarian will also take time to discuss your cat’s medical history, focusing on respiratory infections and previously acquired viral infections. Routine blood work, such as a complete blood count and biochemistry profile, will likely be taken to ensure your cat’s organs are functional before administering anesthesia.
Treatment of Pink Growths in the Nose in Cats
The treatment option for pink growths in the nose in cats is surgery. Due to the location of these polyps, the entire mass cannot be removed, so a processes called “de-bulking” takes place. De-bulking surgery means that the veterinarian will surgically remove as much of the mass as possible, leaving the base of the mass. Veterinarians use this type of surgery to prevent potential damage to nerves, auditory organs, and openings in the respiratory structures.
The de-bulking surgery is not a cure for these polyps, and another surgery is often needed. Your veterinarian may prescribe corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs to slow the potential growth, giving your cat more time in-between surgeries.
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Recovery of Pink Growths in the Nose in Cats
Although recurrence of pink growths in the nose of cats is common, most cats do very well after surgery and their quality of life is good. If your cat experiences several recurrences through its life or if the growth is severe, your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary surgeon who specialized in respiratory growths. There is no known cure for pink growths in the nose of cats, but veterinary treatment can improve the quality of life for your cat.
Pink Growths in the Nose Average Cost
From 415 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$500
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Pink Growths in the Nose Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
black can
dracula
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Snoring
Hello the vet said my cat might have a polyp what is a ball park figure to get this removed? He is also around 9 yr. old.He for sure has asthsma and has been treated for that in the past.
July 27, 2018
0 Recommendations
The ballpark would vary widely depending on your location (country, state, city), type of Veterinarian (general or specialist), location of polyp (is it easily accessible?) among other variables. I would recommend calling a few local clinics as price can vary between clinics in the same city which will give you a better ballpark. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 27, 2018
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tabby
Melon
3 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Trouble Swallowing
Rubbing Ear
Hello I’m wondering what the procedure is to have a poly removed from a cats nose/throat? I have taken her to three different vets, each giving me a different answer but the most likely seems to be a polyp. She has had on and off going sneezing for about a year now with no major symptoms. At times there is discharge in one nostril. She has little difficulty swallowing and eating food. Almost as if she is trying to clear something from her throat. She will also reverse sneeze. For the most part she is happy but I can tell that something is bothering her. She recently started tilting one of her ears.
July 23, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Typically, they would first need to know where the polyp is, as the nose and throat are two entirely different situations. If your veterinarian has an endoscope, they may be able to remove the polyp that way, or surgically if is accessible in the throat. Polyps can sometimes grow back, as they are notoriously difficult to remove completely, but that may give Melon some relief. It may be a good idea to discuss with one of the veterinarians you went to whether this is something that needs to be addressed or if you need not worry about it at this point.
July 23, 2018
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Pink Growths in the Nose Average Cost
From 415 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$500
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