Is Cat Nose Bleed a Sign of Cancer?
Although epistaxis (bleeding nose) is not a common phenomenon with cats, even imagining your feline with a bloody nose is scary. A cat nose bleed can indicate a really serious health issue (potentially cancer). However, before you start panicking and jumping to conclusions, make sure to get to know other possible causes of bleeding nose in cats.
Why Is Your Kitty’s Nose Bleeding?
If your furry friend experiences an uncontrolled nosebleed, make sure to bring it to the vet to determine the cause of this unfortunate event. The most common causes include:
- Injury
The feline nose consists of two nasal passages, numerous blood vessels, nasal turbinates, receptors, etc. Any type of injury to the nasal passages (your kitty bumping into something or getting involved in a fight) can traumatize the delicate tissues in their nose and results in a nose bleed.
- Presence of Foreign Objects
It’s no secret felines love to sniff, and some of the seemingly harmless objects can get inside their nose. Although cats can expel the unwanted object through their nose, this foreign body can damage their mucous membrane along the way.
On the other side, if the foreign object stays in there, your kitty will sneeze repeatedly. Repeatedly sneezing sometimes leads to clotting and nose bleeds.
- Infection
Ehrlichiosis, Spotted fever, and Rocky Mountain – bacteria, can cause nasal bleeding in cats, as well as feline leukemia virus infections, immunodeficiency virus, and fungal infections.
- Cancer
Epistaxis is sometimes caused by the presence of tumors and hemangiosarcoma in the cat’s nasal passages and skull. The pressure against the blood vessels results in a rupture.
On the other side, tumors can trigger irritation and inflammatory reaction in cats, which makes them scratch their nose and cause bleeding.
- Rat poisoning
The most common cause of epistaxis in cats is ingesting poisoned rats. Toxic substances in ratsbane can irritate the nasal passages and cause bleeding.
Treatment for Cat Nose Bleed
Treatment largely depends on the causative organism – infection, injury, cancer, etc. Take your kitty to the vet to be sure of the cause of the bleeding.
The vet will administer the appropriate antimicrobial agents – antiparasitics, antibiotics, antifungal medications and suggest the recommended dose. In case the vet diagnoses the presence of a growing mass within your feline’s nose, they will recommend surgical removal.
There is no need to worry, as vets usually administer intravenous fluid or a blood transfusion to anemic or weak cats to establish electrolyte balance. The vet can also include anti-anxiety treatment before the surgical procedure to help your feline fight the stress away.
Summary
If your furry ball experiences epistaxis anytime, make sure to take it to the vet as soon as possible. A cat nose bleed requires a methodical approach, as this occurrence can point out to major health issues, although cancer is usually not the first thing vets suspect, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
