Epistaxis

The more common term for epistaxis is a nose bleed This clinical sign occurs due to one of three categories: coagulation disorder, a lesion within the nose, or a vascular disorder.

Ehrlichia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia are two of the most common causes of epistaxis. They cause destruction of the body’s platelets which are responsible for coagulation. Ingested rat poison, hypertension, and tooth root abscesses can also cause a nose bleed. If there is a mass in the nasal cavity such as a tumor, foreign body, or fungal disease the pet may also develop a bacterial infection in the nasal cavity.

Nose bleeds range from very mild to severe bleeding. Some animals will also have blood in their urine and feces.

If Ehrlichia is determined to be the cause, doxycycline is the treatment of choice. Immune-mediated disease is treated with prednisone and sometimes azathioprine. Tooth abscess require tooth extraction and antibiotics. Masses in the nasal cavity require surgical removal, radiotherapy, or both.