As a cat owner, seeing your cat with a bloody nose can be a frightening and worrying experience. Epistaxis in cats, also referred to as cat nose bleeds is not all bad, and having a better understanding of what the potential causes are is key. The most common medical causes of a bloody nose in cats are foreign bodies, upper respiratory infections, dental disease, coagulation disorders, high blood pressure, rhinitis, and tumors.
Key Takeaways
1. Nasal Foreign Bodies
Cats' curiosity can lead them to inhale foreign objects like blades of grass, small toys, or pieces of food into their nasal passages. These foreign bodies can irritate the nasal lining, causing inflammation and, subsequently, a cat nose bleed.
When a foreign body is lodged in your cat's nose, you may observe symptoms like sneezing, pawing at the face, and sneezing blood. In most cases, cats will only have a bloody nose in one nostril or sneezing blood from one nostril. Frequent sneezing, sometimes accompanied by a cat bloody nose and sneezing, is often a telltale sign that something isn't right.
If you suspect a foreign body is causing your cat's nose to bleed, immediate veterinary attention is recommended. Your vet may perform diagnostic tests like X-rays or endoscopy to accurately identify and safely remove the object. Treatment often involves sedation or anesthesia for the procedure, followed by medications to manage any resulting inflammation and infection.
2. Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) are another common cause of epistaxis in cats. These infections can be caused by various pathogens, with feline calicivirus being one of the most frequent offenders. A cat with a severe upper respiratory tract infection may experience inflamed nasal passages, leading to symptoms such as a cat bloody nose.
A cat suffering from an upper respiratory infection may exhibit a range of symptoms. Frequent sneezing, runny eyes, coughing, and a bloody nose are all causes for concern. While most of the time both nostrils are equally affected, your cat may also exhibit cat sneezing blood from one nostril, particularly if the infection is localized.
The treatment for upper respiratory infections in cats largely depends on the cause but could include antibiotics, probiotics, lysine supplementation, and supportive care like steam therapy or nasal drops.
3. Dental Disease
Dental disease is often overlooked as a cause of cat nose bleeds. However, it can lead to severe consequences if left untreated. The inflammation caused by dental diseases can extend to the nasal passages, resulting in your cat bleeding from the nose and mouth.
Symptoms of dental disease in cats may be widespread or localized to a single tooth. Any significant disease of a tooth (or teeth) in the upper quadrants can result in your cat bleeding out of the nose. In most cases, the bloody discharge is from only one nostril so it is important to look at your cat's teeth and gums for any signs of infection, inflammation, or trauma.
If your cat is diagnosed with dental disease as the underlying cause of their nose bleed, treatment will likely involve a thorough teeth cleaning under anesthesia and addressing any damaged or diseased teeth. Your vet will also likely prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection during the procedure and minimize post-operative discomfort.
4. Coagulation Disorders
Coagulation disorders or bleeding disorders are another common cause of epistaxis in cats. These conditions can be inherited or acquired due to underlying medical conditions. The most common are platelet disorders and Factor X deficiency. If your cat has a clotting disorder, even minor trauma or irritation in the nasal passages can result in a nose bleed.
A cat nose bleed may be recurrent, and sometimes you might even find dried blood in your cat's nose. Other signs might include unusual bruising, bloody stools, blood in its urine, or your cat bleeding from the nose and mouth in severe cases.
If coagulation disorders are suspected, immediate veterinary intervention is essential. Diagnostic tests, such as blood coagulation profiles, will be necessary to identify the specific type of disorder. Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause and may include transfusions of plasma or clotting factors, along with supportive care to manage symptoms.
5. Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition in cats and can result in epistaxis in some cases. When the blood vessels in the nose are under increased pressure, they may rupture and cause your cat to have a bloody nose.
Unlike humans, hypertension in cats is often secondary to an underlying medical condition such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Signs of hypertension in cats include a bloody nose, dilated pupils, lethargy, and in some cases, disorientation. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to severe complications like blindness or stroke.
Your veterinarian will likely prescribe medications to control your cat's blood pressure and address any underlying conditions contributing to hypertension.
6. Chronic Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis, especially in its idiopathic form, can be a perplexing and stubborn source of epistaxis in cats. While many chronic cases are idiopathic, the inflammation and irritation it causes in the nasal passages can lead to a variety of symptoms, including a cat nose bleed.
Cats with idiopathic chronic rhinitis often have a history of recurrent or persistent symptoms. You may notice your cat sneezing with a bloody nose or find dried blood in your cat's nose. Unlike other conditions, the symptoms may wax and wane but generally persist over a long period, affecting the cat's quality of life.
Diagnosing idiopathic chronic rhinitis involves ruling out other possible causes of cat nose bleeds. Treatment is typically symptomatic and might involve the use of anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, and sometimes even nasal irrigation.
7. Tumors
Tumors, both benign and malignant, can cause nose bleeds in cats. These growths may have originated in the nasal passage itself or spread from other parts of the body. As the tumor grows, it can erode blood vessels and cause your cat to experience a bloody nose. The tumor can involve the nose or sinuses but oral tumors can also result in epistaxis.
Symptoms of nasal tumors may include sneezing with blood, difficulty breathing through the nose, swelling around the nose and face, and sometimes even facial pain. Your veterinarian will likely recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, to identify the location and extent of the tumor.
Treatment options for nasal tumors may include surgery to remove the growth or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may also be recommended in cases where the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the best course of action for your cat based on the type and location of the tumor, as well as your cat's overall health.
In conclusion, epistaxis in cats can be caused by a range of conditions, each requiring different interventions. Foreign bodies, upper respiratory infections, dental diseases, coagulation disorders, hypertension, chronic rhinitis, and tumors are all potential causes. It's important to stay vigilant for signs such as nose bleeds, dried blood in the nose, and other unusual behavior. If you notice evidence of blood from your cat's nostrils, you should see your veterinarian for further advice.