Epistaxis

Epistaxis: Medical term for nosebleed. The nose is a part of the body that is very rich in blood vessels (vascular) and is situated in a vulnerable position on the face. It is very common in dogs which live in hot or hot temperate kind of climate. In severe cases medical treatment is required but in most cases first aid at home can help.






Causes

• Nasal tumor or Infection
• Severe hyperglobulinemia
• Hypertension
• Nasal Tumor 
• Hemostatic Problem 
• Dental Disease  
• Climatic Changes
• Food
• Deficiency of Vitamins  

Signs
      
 Bleeding from nose, may be associated with other respiratory signs, eg sneezing. stridor, sturtor or blindness in rare cases.

Treatment

As soon as, you find your dog`s nose bleeding first of all you need not to panic. As a first aid use water or ice bag if using water thoroughly sprinkle water over the dog`s head and make sure dog`s nasal cavity is all wet Or if using ice bag massage your dog`s nasal cavity and head.

As a part of first aid you can do the following things to avoid continuous bleeding

• Muscle Massage
•  Half liter milk mixed with water and sugar ( this helps to reduce bleeding)
• Multi-Vitamin Syrups can be given 

When to consult Vet?

If first aid not effects your dog condition with in 12 hours you should conCsult a vet. Mostly vet suggest for water or ice bags or just to sprinkle water. Other treatments may include X-rays, Blood Cp , or injections of Vitamin K. 



 Epistaxis may be associated with black or dark brown stool of dogs. 

 Outcomes 

Prognosis

• Depends on underlying etiology.
• Many causes are treatable and prognosis is good (eg foreign body, dental disease).
• Guarded for nasal tumors or unidentifiable/untreatable underlying cause.

Expected response to treatment

• Cessation of epistaxis.
• Improving vital parameters.
• Increasing hemocrit/hemoglobin levels if low at diagnosis.
• Improvement in other clinical signs, eg appetite.

Reasons for treatment failure

• Incorrect or incomplete diagnosis.
• Underlying disease untreatable.
• Relapse of underlying disease.
• Progession of underlying disease