Nasal neoplasia, histological type unspecified in Dogs

Category: Cancer
Breeds documented: 3
Published sources: 5

Overview

Tumors growing inside the nose or nearby sinuses are usually cancerous and can damage surrounding tissues. Nasal neoplasia is a broad label, so it does not identify the exact type of tumor. These growths can cause ongoing discharge, bleeding and changes in facial shape. Spread elsewhere is less common than local invasion, but it can occur.

Signs to watch for

Persistent discharge from one nostril, sometimes later from both
Blood from the nose
Repeated sneezing
Snoring or noisy nasal breathing
A change in the shape of the face
An eye that bulges or waters more than usual

Most often diagnosed in older dogs, averaging about 9.5 to 10 years.

When to get help Contact a vet soon for ongoing nasal discharge.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets assess the history and nasal signs, then investigate other possible causes of discharge. A CT scan gives detailed images of the nose and sinuses and can show damage to nearby bone. A biopsy, a sample of tumor tissue examined in a laboratory, confirms the diagnosis.

Breeds with documented risk

3 breeds

By breed size

2 Small
1 Large

Golden RetrieverLarge · Sporting Group
Pembroke Welsh CorgiSmall · Herding Group
Shetland SheepdogSmall · Herding Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.