Nasal Polyps in Dogs

Pink polypoid growths in the nose are typically nasal polyps. However, there are different types of tumors, some of which are benign and some of which are cancerous. Polyps are far less common in dogs than in cats. Signs can include sneezing, congestion and noisy breathing.

When you find a pink growth in the nose of your dog, a nasal polyp should be considered. However, nasal tumours including carcinomas and sarcomas must be ruled out. 

Though polyps are benign (non cancerous), it’s important to have these treated as they can still make breathing difficult for your pet.

Depending on the location of the tumor, symptoms may vary.

• Nasal cavity
• Discharge with mucus
• A crusting in the nose
• Nosebleeds
• Obstruction of the nasal passage
• Sneezing
• Noisy breathing
• Maxillary sinus
• Swelling in the cheek or under the eye
• Frontal sinus
• Swelling on the forehead
• Ethmoid sinus
• Obstruction of the nasal passage
• Double vision

Types

There are many different types of nasal tumors. Benign tumors include the following:

• Nasal polyps – a tumor located in the lining of the nasal passage
• Inverted papilloma – a wart-like growth on the nose
• Hemangioma – a collection of blood vessels
• Osteoma – a tumor of the bony tissue in the nose
• Fibrous dysplasia – an abnormal growth of the bony tissue in the nose
• Angiofibroma – a growth comprised of fibrous tissues and blood vessels

Frequently, with benign nasal tumors it is difficult to identify a cause. With nasal polyps, specifically, it’s possible the cause is an increase in inflammation and swelling of the nasal passage. It is possible that some benign nasal tumors are caused by viruses. Currently, there are no definitive causes of benign tumors in the nasal passage.

In order to diagnose a benign nasal tumor, the dog will typically need to be anesthetized so that the vet is able to inspect the nasal passage. Polyps are glistening red, pink, or gray growths in the nasopharynx. In addition to a physical examination, advanced imaging may be required to determine further information about the nature of the growth.

The veterinarian may use a rhinoscope to inspect the nasal passage. Like tumor manifestations in humans, the veterinarian may try to obtain a sample of the growth in order to complete a biopsy of the tumor. Once the results are determined, further decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment can be made.

The prominent and most effective treatment of benign nasal tumors is surgical removal. This surgery is typically a simple, routine procedure. If the nasal tumor is located deep inside of the nose, though, it may be difficult to remove with a surgical procedure. In the event of cancerous nasal tumors inside the nasal passage, radiation therapy is a limited treatment option to slow the growth of tumors within the nasal passage. There are anti-cancer drugs that can be tried, but benign nasal tumors are typically unresponsive to these medications.

After treatment has been administered, there will likely be a period of hospitalization to make sure that there are no complications resulting from the surgery. Your dog will need to wear a cone and will experience nasal discharge—sometimes bloody—for 1 to 2 weeks post-surgery. Once you take your dog home, it’s important to monitor your dog’s progress and be conscious of any unusual behavior that may be the result of infection. Additionally, attention should be paid towards possible relapse in which the benign tumor was not entirely removed and presents itself again.