What is Nose and Sinus Inflammation?
The coughing, sneezing, and stuffy sensation that humans suffer from with sinuses mirror that of what a dog experiences. Sometimes, these problems may clear up on their own if it is an allergy or irritant that is causing the problem. However, in certain instances, sinus irritations and infections can be more serious.
Bacterial infections in the nasal passages commonly incur when there has been a series of prolonged inflammation. Pet owners might notice a mucus discharge as well as prolonged sneezing episodes. During the in-office examination, the veterinarian will reference rhinitis and sinusitis, which refer to the inflammation of the nose and nasal passages.Nose and Sinus Inflammation Average Cost
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Symptoms of Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs
Sinus signs in dogs may be one of the easiest to recognize for humans, primarily because the signs for both groups are a lot alike. The signs include:
- Coughing
- Eyes and nose discharge
- Fever
- Gagging
- Lack of an appetite
- Loss of energy
- Nosebleeds
- Sneezing
Types
An infection within the sinus cavities, nose, and sinus inflammation may come as a result of bacteria entering into the nasal cavities in the head. Because there is nothing to protect the open pockets in a dog's sinus, it makes a dog especially susceptible to two types of infections - viral infections and bacterial infections - that enter through the nose.
Causes of Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs
Although sinus problems are a possibility for pets without these signs, pets who already suffer from allergies, asthma or a weak immune system may be more likely linked to nose and sinus inflammation. In certain instances, foxtails that can be found in rural areas may be the cause of what appear to be sinus-like systems but are often a very serious problem.
Diagnosis of Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs
Nose and sinus inflammation in dogs can be tricky, primarily due to the fact that the original signs might appear minor. While these signs may clear up in a couple of days, if pet owners notice nose bleeding, or discharge that is an unusual color, gray and cloudy, or thick and green, the dog needs to see a veterinarian.
Pet owners should immediately take their dogs to the veterinarian for nosebleeds, as this is may be a more serious issue for dogs, specifically, if discharge also comes out of the nose. Discharge could be related to a dental abscess, fungal infections or tumors. Foxtail grass, which can be linked to fatalities in dogs, can be ingested in the ears, eyes, genitals, nose, and feet. Foxtail may also be linked to pus in the chest cavity of dogs. Nasal mites (bugs) could also be found.
Veterinarians will perform a complete exam of the dog's eyes, nose, and breathing habits. X-rays and an endoscope may be used to examine the dog's sinus cavities and get a better look at the discharge from nosebleeds, eyes and anywhere else.
Treatment of Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs
Timely diagnosis is the key to how well or how soon treatment can work. Nasal mites may be the cause of a dog's problems. These bugs, which enter through the nose, can be killed by a drug prescription.
Tooth infections connected to the nasal area may be treated by either removing the infected tooth or by a veterinarian providing a proper teeth cleaning.
Tumors inside of the nose cannot be treated due to the structure of the nose. Tumors cannot be surgically removed, so radiation therapy is the only other option to either get rid of or slow down the growth.
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Recovery of Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Dogs
Assuming a dog has a sinus infection rather than a foreign body or tumor, medication, including antibiotics, may be prescribed to get rid of the sinus infection. The infection should only last for a week or two unless there are bigger health-related issues. Foreign bodies, foxtails, or tumors will likely require further therapy or diagnostics.
Avoid over-the-counter medication or any type of antibiotics not specifically prescribed by a veterinarian. Pet owners should also keep their dogs in warm, dry areas. Setting up a vaporizer to clear the air could expedite the healing process as well.
Nose and Sinus Inflammation Average Cost
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Nose and Sinus Inflammation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Maltese
Gracie
9yrs
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Sneezing , Coughing
Sneezing , Coughing, Snotty Nose,
My9yr old Maltese was exposed to sheetrock dust for about 5 days while renovating my dog store. Over the last 4 days she has been sneezing, coughing and sounds very congested in her nose. I've been giving her benadryl that seems to help but once it wears off, her symptoms return. I have a prescription for Doxycycline and was wondering if this is one that would be used for a sinus infection? Also, due to the sheetrock exposure, should I be concerned that this is more than a sinus infection? If she's not better by Monday, should I take her to her vet? I hate seeing her feel and sound so bad! Thank you so much for your help!!
Oct. 29, 2017
1 Recommendations
I doubt is there is any infection and doxycycline shouldn’t be given on a suspicion; large quantities of inhaled dust can cause a variety of respiratory tract symptoms and the old sheetrock that was removed may have been manufactured when there was less strict building codes and may contain some undesirable ingredients. I wouldn’t give anything to Gracie but would recommend a Veterinary visit to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 29, 2017
Thank you very much! I thought she was better today but she has had about 4 reverse sneeze episodes and each time, she's very snotty sounding in her nose. She hasn't coughed today but we can tell she just doesn't feel good! She is suppose to be groomed on Tuesday at my store, should I hold off or is it ok for her to still get a bath and be groomed? I'll call my vet in the morning to schedule her an appt. Thank you again for your advise!!
Oct. 29, 2017
Gracie's Owner
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Shetland Sheepdog
Hattie
13 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing, Bloody Nose
My 13 year old Sheltie started having sporadic nosebleeds after sneezing fits 2 winters ago. Last June, she had nose bleeds 4 days in a row, & sneezed out a piece of tissue. We took her to the vet, who xrayed & said that there wasn't foreign matter & looked there was a mass on the side she's sneezing from, as well as said it did not appear to be related to an abscessed tooth, & so was likely nasal cancer. In November she was seen again & I was told the same thing. (Due to age & sensitive temperament, I decided not to pursue further testing). Nose bleeds have been about once a month since, & over the last 6 months she has developed swelling on the side of her nose. She does not appear to be in pain, & the lump doesn't appear to bother her; she's still eating & lets me touch her nose.
My question is: from what I've read about nasal cancer, she has outlived what would be expected. Should I go back to the vet & ask for them to take another look to make sure it is not an assessed tooth? (Or would she be sick or in pain from that?). I don't want to subject her to more than is necessary, but if it is something treatable, I don't want to let it go.
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
There are various causes of sporadic sneezing in dogs including infections, tumours, allergies, other irritants, polyps and dental disorders. Disorders like tooth root abscesses generally are painful and you would notice a decrease in food consumption. Adenomas of the nasal passages are rare which are benign, it is more common for malignant tumours to be present. Whilst I understand that Hattie is sensitive and you were reluctant to progress with testing due to her temperament, it may be worth having rhinoscopy performed and a biopsy taken so that a definitive diagnosis may be made so that you and your Veterinarian know exactly the underlying cause (whilst a tumour is suggestive). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
Can you update Hattie's condition, please? Hope you all well.
May 12, 2018
Nil Ö.
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Daschund
Burt Reynolds
11 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Reverse Sneezing And Normal Sneezing
I have an 11 year old Daschund who began sneezing in fits last weekend and had an episode of reverse sneezing for the first time which lasted a while and was traumatic to watch. Otherwise - no mucus or discharge and no other symptoms. His disposition is great and he is eating and drinking normally. We took him to the vet, who uncovered bilateral swollen glands, but no oral health issues (he had a full teeth cleaning and extractions 11 months ago), no nasal obstructions, and a normal CBC revealing no systemic issues. He suspects our dog has a sinus infection which was caught early or allergies. He has been on Zeniquin for 5 days so far and Apoquel, and he is no longer sneezing in fits, but is still reverse sneezing, though infrequently (once or twice in the day) and for only a stretch of seconds. I find there to be improvement but not as much as I would have hoped for, though he is only 1/2 way though his course of medications. How long should I expect his symptoms to last, or should this be looked into further? I had just expected him to be 100% by now, as I would if I had a sinus infection and on antibiotics. I think I may just be a neurotic Dad. :-)
July 26, 2017
1 Recommendations
I understand your concern, reverse sneezing can be quite distressing to watch especially for the first time. If there is still something irritating the airways or some mucus, a small bout of reverse sneezing is usual during recovery; it is a positive sign that the symptoms have improved, but wait for the course of treatment to end before reevaluating the condition unless there is an increase in severity. Reverse sneezing can become normal in some dogs and short bouts of reverse sneezing are not harmful or painful. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
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Nose and Sinus Inflammation Average Cost
From 27 quotes ranging from $800 - $6,500
Average Cost
$1,500
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