TL;DR: A single-sided nosebleed is a medium-priority concern requiring a veterinary exam within 12 to 24 hours unless the bleeding is heavy or your dog shows signs of shock. Providing photos of the discharge helps your vet determine the cause, which can range from local trauma to dental issues.
What is epistaxis and why is my dog bleeding from only one nostril?
Bleeding from the nose, or epistaxis, occurs when the small blood vessels within the nasal passages rupture. When the bleeding is restricted to just one nostril (unilateral), it typically indicates that the source of the problem is localized to that specific side of the nose. This can be caused by anything from minor trauma and foreign objects to infections or dental issues affecting the upper jaw.
When is my dog's nosebleed considered a medical emergency?
The urgency level for a single bloody nostril is generally considered Medium. While it may not require an immediate midnight trip to the ER, your dog should be seen by a veterinarian within 12 to 24 hours. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if:
- The bleeding is heavy and will not stop.
- Your dog's gums appear pale.
- Your dog is acting extremely lethargic.
How does taking a photo of the bleeding help with the triage process?
Taking a clear photo or a short video of the bleeding can be a vital tool for your veterinary team. This visual evidence allows the vet to determine the severity of the issue before the physical examination by seeing:
- The volume of blood lost.
- The exact shade of the blood (bright red versus dark or pinkish).
- Whether there is any visible swelling or discharge.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
For a dog presenting with epistaxis, a thorough diagnostic workup is indicated to identify the underlying cause. Initial diagnostics should include a complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis, one-stage prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, buccal mucosal bleeding time, and a platelet count to rule out concurrent systemic disease. Imaging of the nasal chambers via nasal or dental radiographs, or preferably CT, should be performed. Rhinoscopy and nasal flushing are valuable diagnostic tools but should be delayed until after imaging to avoid iatrogenic changes that may obscure the primary disease. Common causes of epistaxis include oronasal neoplasia, dental disease (oronasal fistula), nasal foreign body, and nasopharyngeal disease (foreign body or mass lesions).
Chapter: Otorhinolaryngology, Diagnostic Imaging, Clinical Pathology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1480)