What is Nose Cancer?
A dog’s nasal cavity is divided into two chambers (each made up on turbinate bones and paranasal sinuses) by a cartilaginous septum and extends into the two nostrils you see at your dog’s snout. The front of your dog’s nasal cavity handles respiration while the back part handles smell and taste. The nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are a complex network, and a cancerous tumor obstructs your dog’s breathing and causes significant other complications.
Nose cancer is an aggressive cancer more commonly found in older dogs, dogs with longer snouts, and dogs living in urban areas. Two-thirds of all nasal tumors are carcinomas, which form in the lining of the nose, and about one-third are sarcomas, which form in the cartilage, bone or connective tissue within the nose. A nasal tumor may also be lymphoma; however, this is rare. It can be treated if caught early, but nose cancer is by definition malignant, with a high frequency of metastasis to the lungs, skull cavity, or lymph nodes.
Nose cancer, technically known as nasal adenocarcinoma, is a rare tumor of a dog’s nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Nose cancer accounts for 2.5 percent of canine tumors.Nose Cancer Average Cost
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Average Cost
$12,000
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Symptoms of Nose Cancer in Dogs
- Epistaxis (bloody nasal discharge)
- Mucous or pus in nasal discharge
- Sneezing
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Stertorous breathing (labored, noisy breathing)
- Anorexia
- Seizures
- Facial deformity
- Visible pain around nose
- Excessive ocular discharge
Causes of Nose Cancer in Dogs
The exact cause of the cancer is not known, although it is correlated with certain risk factors. The most telling is an elevated risk in dogs living in urban areas, which suggests that exposure to pollutants, smoking, and fossil fuel combustion byproducts increase a dog’s risk of developing nose cancer.
Diagnosis of Nose Cancer in Dogs
The veterinarian will take tissue samples from lymph nodes in order to analyze for cancerous cells and detect possible metastasis. The nasal bacterial culture will be harvested and analyzed. In addition to the nasal bacterial culture, a rhinoscopy, or examination of the nasal passages, will be completed. Further, a combination of X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and radiographic scans will be taken in order for the veterinarian to identify and diagnose the tumor, the extent of its proliferation, and to see if it has spread. An additional tool for diagnosis might be the biopsy of the cancerous growth for microscopic analysis by a laboratory pathologist.
Treatment of Nose Cancer in Dogs
Because adenocarcinoma advances so rapidly, it is typically very advanced at the time of diagnosis. For this reason, getting treatment as soon as possible increases your chance of survival. With a positive diagnosis, the veterinarian may refer you and your dog to a veterinarian oncologist. An oncologist specializes in treating tumors, and will be able to best advise you on your dog’s prognosis and help you make decisions regarding treatment.
Surgery
Adenocarcinoma is not amenable to surgery, due to the complex nature of your dog’s nasal cavity and the fact that the tumor is close to the brain and eyes. Therefore, the risk of complication outweighs benefits. In rare cases, rhinotomy, or an incision into the nose to remove the tumor, is attempted; however, success rates have not been encouraging, and rhinotomy correlates with significantly reduced survival time, average between three to six months.
Radiation and Chemotherapy
At this time, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have not proven effective at treating adenocarcinoma. The good news, radiation therapy is still considered an option to prolong life and relieve pain. Depending upon your dog’s tumor, you may consider one of the following options for radiation therapy:
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery delivers a high dose of radiation targeting the center of the tumor and is a one-time treatment designed to minimize damage to tissue surrounding the tumor.
- Stereotactic Radiation Therapy delivers up to three smaller doses at different times in order to further minimize the risk of damaging tissue around the tumor. This involves multiple visits to a radiation specialist as opposed to one and is used when a tumor is located dangerously close to essential structures such as your dog’s brain and eyes.
When considering radiation therapy, it is important to discuss the risks of possible side affects with the veterinarian, which can include inflammation, runny nose, skin shedding, atrophy, hemorrhage, degeneration, brain necrosis, seizures, optic nerve degeneration, fibrosis and bone collapse.
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Recovery of Nose Cancer in Dogs
Untreated adenocarcinoma is very deadly, and affected dogs typically die within two to seven months of diagnosis. The median survival time of dogs administered with radiation therapy is eight to twenty months.
If your dog undergoes radiation therapy, be sure to carefully monitor symptoms and follow up with the veterinarian as scheduled and whenever symptoms warrant. Some side affects are treatable with antibiotics or other treatments; however, some of the most severe side affects are non-treatable.
The most critical task is keeping your dog comfortable. To ease pain, anti-inflammatories, pain medication, and sleeping pills may be prescribed. In serious cases, with a poor prognosis and debilitating pain, euthanasia may be considered as the best option.
Nose Cancer Average Cost
From 2 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $15,000
Average Cost
$12,000
Top
Nose Cancer Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Golden Retriever
Bridget
9 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Elevated Third Eyelid
Elevated Third Eyelid, Sneezing Na
Elevated Third Eyelid, Sneezing
Hi, my dog Bridget is almost 9yrs old. On or around Feb 13th I noticed her right eye didn't look right so I took her in and she was treated with an antibiotic eye drop. A few days after her third eyelid was elevated and she had clear discharge with a tinge of blood come out of her nose while we were at the vet. Bridget developed reverse sneezing a few years ago on and off but nothing out of the ordinary. It seemed to be more reoccurring in Dec and Jan prior to this past Feb 2018. The airflow in the right nostril also wasn't good. We went to a specialist and had an MRI done, it revealed a mass that was in the rear aspect of the right nostril that had some destruction to the cribrifrom plate and has invading her intracranial cavity as well as pressing into the orbit of her right eye. The specialist attempted to due a Rhinoscopy to get a piece of the mass but ended up doing a blind biopsy. Results came back as
Inflammation. She wasn't able to get a piece of the mass and also said there was quite a bit of inflammation surrounding the mass. We were offered an aggressive biobsy but declined due to the location . We are treating her with antibiotics for now and they have kept the sneezing under control and her breathing seems better but her eye is still the same. Could this be a fungal infection, that's their next treatment to rule it out. We have to be worried about seizures now as well. I'm terrified of the unknown. Can you shed any light on what I've explained or give me your medical opinion?
Thank you
Tish
March 11, 2018
2 Recommendations
Without a biopsy of the mass itself it is not possible to confirm whether it is cancer, inflammation or something else; if they are suspecting fungal infection or planning to rule out fungal infection next I would suggest trying to get a sample for identification as this may help as far as treatment planning is concerned. At this moment you are looking at treating a variety of conditions in an attempt to rule out each one until a diagnosis is made. I cannot really shed any light on this unfortunately but would recommend you have a biopsy done by rhinoscopy or another method to try to make a diagnosis. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 11, 2018
We are going through the same thing with one 1 year old hound boxer. They did a cat scan and found a mass they went through the eye socket with a needle and took a samp,e. We go Monday to,see our options as they think it might be cancer
May 4, 2018
Tanya P.
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Doberman Pinscher Mix
Sarah
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My 11 y/o Doberman mix has two crusty denuded symmetrical patches, one adjacent to each nostril. Besides not like when I touch or look at it closely, she is symptom free. There is no bloody nose, nasal discharge or expectorant. She doesn't cough. She sneezes the same amount a healthy dog would. She eats, plays, walks. No problem. She looks great. She greets me everyday putting her front paws on my shoulders while standing on her hind legs. She can do this for minutes. I am concerned about these open scabs but everything I've read about dog nose treatment would hurt her and she wouldn't understand why I would put her through any of this. Plus. I can't afford it. These open scabs have been there for months and they bother me more than her. Is there any topical remedy I can treat her with? I don't think she has cancer. She's too health but I sure would like these sores to disappear. Thank you for your time.
Feb. 23, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, without examining Sarah and seeing the lesions, I cannot diagnose or recommend any possible treatments. Since you don't know what the lesions are, and she seems healthy otherwise, it would probably be best to have her examined by a veterinarian, as they will be able to give you an idea as to what might be going on, and what possible treatments might be necessary. They will give you recommendations, you can make decisions based on those.
Feb. 23, 2018
Sarah, my boy, Horton, who's also past his 11th birthday is in a similar situation. He's had the patches on his nose for the past 5-6 years now, and it always seems to bother me a lot more than him but does look uncomfortable. I'm in the same boat where I can't really afford treatment (I was just quoted $800+ for a biopsy and blood work, $1300 if I do that and the dental cleaning he needs :( ) I wish I could tell you I found something to apply to it that helps as I haven't, it's cyclical, but I can't determine what connection the cycles have with anything. I've tried different foods to no avail. The old guy is in great health otherwise and it's a difficult situation to be in with a big bill looming to diagnose that would tell me I need to put him on a medication I can't afford for the rest of his life to resolve, or that he might not have much time left. It's not a fun position to be in.
May 22, 2018
Jesse R.
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Shetland Sheepdog
Skippy
11 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Sneezing,
My dog Skippy was diagnosed with a nasal tumor on Jan 3rd 2018. He had a nose bleed and it wouldn't stop. I brought him to the vets and thats when he was diagnosed. The vet told me to just take the palliative approach because the tumor can grow and it would be too complicated to do anything for him. Not to put him through any more pain. I am at my wits end. I want to help him in the wose way. What can I do for him. Besides give him tramadol and Lifes Gold. His nostril looks like its expanding. Any answers would be helpful. Thank you.
Jan. 30, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, without seeing Skippy and knowing more about his situation, I am not sure that I can offer any suggestions. If you and your veterinarian made the decision to monitor his quality of life and not pursue treatment of his nasal tumor, if he isn't doing well, it may be time to make a decision for him so that he isn't suffering. If you do want to pursue further treatment options, it may be worth seeing a specialist to see what options are available at this point. It would be best to call your veterinarian and discuss what is happening, and see if there are other options for him. I hope that he is able to remain comfortable for a while longer.
Jan. 30, 2018
My 9 yr old cocker spaniel was diagnosed with massive nasal tumor on rt nasal and it has pushed into rt eye orbit and brain area. The day before catscan, he went blind. However on my 2nd visit of 3 in a row, I insisted on antibiotic because of 27000 wbc. The day after surgery, which was 2 days after the antibiotic longacting shot, he recover vision in his left eye. We've been given a short time I think. He can run up and down stairs, still likes to go for walks, and in general seems happy. However, he has developed alot of mucus in throat and for first time in a few weeks, he was backward sneezing and having a hard time. I used vetricin, than some salt water squirted with baby bulb syringe into nose and later trying in mouth to help break up the mucus which was giving him hard time breathing. I pushed a warm wet towel down the sides of inside mouth and towards back and got out a large amoutn of mucus. He then was able to eat=he has completely regained his appetite. Finally, after eating, i think the food pushed the mucus down the intestinal path and hes sleeping comfortably. With another antibiotic shot this week, which I asked for and has helped, along with benedryl, rimadil and itroncozol, his eye is no longer red or bulging. the area by brain must have receded in size from anitinflammatory meds because he vision came back and the tumor is on other side. For Skippy and all the dogs, I am constantly makeing sure to put spray of ventricin or warm water up nose which helps get out alot of gunk and makes it easier to breath. I am going day by day. Im having a very hard time though because we cant fix it.This all started 3 months ago and been treating for fungal and bacteria alternately. I think he has that as well as tumor so meds still working at it. I need to know if the mucus condition is indicative of the end. I can't bear to see him suffer. Please someone, help
Feb. 3, 2018
Myrna R.
Our beagle mix dog peanut was diagnosed January 8th 2018 with an aggressive nasal tumor we have tried many homeopathic remedies to no avail, I just don't understand that keto non Profit Organization is saving dogs in Texas, the worst of the worst dogs with cancer at kill shelters, and they are saving their lives. We immediately put peanut on a ketogenic diet and tried all kinds of homeopathic. I just don't understand I know there's a cure for cancer why won't anybody make this more affordable and more accessible. I know oxygen therapy works too it is just so terrible this is our fourth dog we will lose in 3 years to cancer and one 14 years ago I'm just so sick of it I can't do this anymore I will not own any more dogs my heart is gone. We will be putting peanut down tomorrow morning. :(
Feb. 2, 2018
Elizabeth
Please don't say you wont own any more dogs. It is so hard for us humans to go through losing our babies but there is a dog out there that is waiting for you to love them. It seems to me that you have so much love for dogs please don't give up and give another dog a chance to know your love, even if its just for a short time. My Corgi Zelda needs to get a rhino and CT scan as she has been sneezing blood. I am terrified of losing her she is only 4 years old. My heart is so sad right now, but thank you for loving Peanut and Im so sorry.
July 23, 2018
Sonja R.
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dachshound
Phillip
13 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Sneezing Discharge
My dog (Phillip - a dachshund 13 years old) has been demonstrating what we (the vet and I) were assuming was a sinus infection for the last 4 months or so. After 5 bouts of antibiotics and other medications, x-rays and a larger than normal sinus scope and then this week another x-ray of the throat and sinus area and a reading of the x-rays by an external professional it appears there is a mass deep in my dog’s sinuses that maybe one of several things including a malignant tumor. I'm scared to death and have to wait 5 more days for a visit to a specialty clinic for probably a CT scan. My current vet will be sending Phillip's x-rays, all history and the blood panel(s) taken in the last few days. Is there a greater chance this might be an infection, fungus, or something other than cancer? There has been some blood but that appears to be due to the dry scabbing he has been getting at the tip of his nose. Mostly the issues up until the last 10 days were sneezing with clear discharge, backward sneezing, a little disinterested in some foods and not wanting to take his walk. Now he is not eating much and there is a noticeable noise when he breathes with a lot of sleeping and he just has not been himself for a long time. I'm very concerned and looking for some hope that this is more likely not cancer-what are my odds?
Jan. 20, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. I'm sorry that this is happening to Philip. Unfortunately, with animals and people, the chance of cancer rearing its' ugly head increases with age. There is a possibility that it might be a resistant infection, fungal disease, or benign mass or polyp, and unfortunately if they weren't able to get a biopsy sample of the mass during scoping, you may have to wait until the specialty appointment to find out more details, how invasive the the growth is, and what your options for treatment are. I hope that you are able to get answers next week, and that Philip is okay.
Jan. 20, 2018
Hello, this is Phillips dad again. He had a CT Scan and a biopsy and things do not look good. We have an appt with the oncologist on 2/5 but it looks like they will be sending me to Cali or AZ for radiation treatment if it looks treatable. Can anyone tell me anything about these two facilities they are talking about so I can start doing some research and planning just in case. I'm disabled so a facility that can handle a sick dog and facilitate my MS disability would be nice. But I'll get Phillip there anyway.
Jan. 27, 2018
Phillip's Owner
Was Phillip diagnosed with a nasal tumor? Or something else?
Feb. 2, 2018
Elizabeth
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Nose Cancer Average Cost
From 2 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $15,000
Average Cost
$12,000
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
