Chronic Nasal Discharge and Sneezing in Pets in Scottsdale, AZ
Occasional sneezing is normal, but nasal discharge, nosebleeds, or sneezing that lasts for weeks is a sign that something deeper is going on. At Salt River Veterinary Specialists, our internal medicine specialists use advanced imaging and minimally invasive rhinoscopy to look inside your pet’s nasal passages, identify the cause, and in many cases treat it during the same procedure.
Common Causes of Chronic Nasal Disease
The nose and sinuses are complex structures that are difficult to evaluate during a routine exam. Long-lasting nasal signs in dogs and cats may be caused by:
- Nasal foreign bodies, such as grass awns and plant material
- Chronic inflammatory (lymphoplasmacytic) rhinitis
- Fungal infections, including aspergillosis
- Nasal polyps and nasopharyngeal polyps, especially in cats
- Nasal tumors, which are more common in older and long-nosed dogs
- Dental disease, including tooth root abscesses that extend into the nasal cavity
- Chronic viral infections in cats
Signs to Watch For
- Nasal discharge that is clear, cloudy, yellow-green, or bloody
- Persistent or violent sneezing, or reverse sneezing
- Nosebleeds from one or both nostrils
- Noisy breathing, snoring, or open-mouth breathing
- Pawing at the face, facial swelling, or a decreased appetite
Discharge or bleeding from only one nostril is especially important to evaluate promptly, as it often points to a foreign body, fungal infection, or tumor.
How We Diagnose Nasal Disease
Our internal medicine team begins with a thorough examination, bloodwork, and, when nosebleeds are present, clotting tests. Advanced imaging helps us map the nasal cavity and sinuses. We then perform rhinoscopy, passing a very small camera into the nose and behind the soft palate to view the nasal passages directly. Rhinoscopy allows us to remove foreign material, collect biopsies and cultures, and identify polyps or masses. Because coughing and nasal disease sometimes occur together, we may also evaluate the lower airways with bronchoscopy or thoracic radiography.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Foreign bodies are often removed during rhinoscopy, providing immediate relief
- Inflammatory rhinitis is managed with anti-inflammatory medications and environmental changes
- Fungal rhinitis is treated with antifungal therapy delivered directly or by mouth
- Polyps may be removed endoscopically or surgically, as described on our upper airway surgical conditions page
- Nasal tumors are referred for oncology care after biopsy, and our team can discuss options outlined on our cancer surgery page
Arizona Considerations
Desert dust, pollen, and dry air can aggravate sensitive nasal passages in Valley pets. Fungal disease such as Valley Fever typically affects the lungs, but any persistent respiratory signs in Arizona warrant careful evaluation. If your pet also has a chronic cough, read about tracheal collapse. Learn more about our full list of veterinary services and all conditions we treat.
Chronic Nasal Discharge FAQs
When should I worry about my pet’s sneezing?
Sneezing that lasts more than a couple of weeks, comes with discharge or bleeding, or affects only one nostril should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
What is rhinoscopy?
Rhinoscopy is a minimally invasive examination using a tiny camera to view the inside of the nose and back of the throat. It requires a brief general anesthesia and no incisions.
Can rhinoscopy remove a foreign object from my pet’s nose?
Yes. Grass awns and other foreign material can often be located and removed during the same procedure.
What causes nosebleeds in dogs and cats?
Nosebleeds can result from foreign bodies, fungal infection, tumors, trauma, high blood pressure, or clotting disorders, so a full evaluation is important.
Are nasal polyps common in cats?
Yes. Nasopharyngeal polyps are a common cause of noisy breathing and nasal discharge in young cats and can often be removed.
Can antibiotics fix chronic nasal discharge?
Antibiotics may help temporarily if a secondary infection is present, but signs often return unless the underlying cause is identified and treated.
Do I need a referral for rhinoscopy?
Most patients are referred by their family veterinarian, who shares records and prior test results with our team before the visit.
Get to the Root of Your Pet’s Nasal Symptoms
Persistent sneezing and nasal discharge deserve a closer look. Call Salt River Veterinary Specialists at (480) 819-8630 to schedule a consultation in Scottsdale, AZ .