Chronic nasal inflammation in dogs (inflammatory, lymphoplasmacytic)
Chronic nasal inflammation is swelling inside the nose that lasts for weeks or even months. In the lymphoplasmacytic form, the lining of the nose is invaded by immune system cells, with no infection, foreign object, or tumor responsible. Th...
What is it?
Chronic nasal inflammation is swelling inside the nose that lasts for weeks or even months.
In the lymphoplasmacytic form, the lining of the nose is invaded by immune system cells, with no infection, foreign object, or tumor responsible. The exact cause usually remains unknown.
The dog has nasal discharge, sneezes in episodes, and sometimes breathes noisily through the nose.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Nasal discharge lasting more than three weeks, clear at first then often thicker.
The discharge may start on one side only, then become two-sided.
Sneezing that comes and goes, with quieter periods in between.
Sound of a blocked nose or snuffling, even when the dog is awake and calm.
Noisy and jerky breathing through the nose, with a stretched neck, lasting a few seconds: reverse sneezing.
Eye tearing in some dogs.
Overall health usually remains good: the dog eats, plays, and does not lose weight.
Nosebleeds, facial swelling, or changes in nose color are not part of the typical picture and warrant investigating other causes.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
In the lymphoplasmacytic form, the exact origin is unknown: the nose reacts with self-perpetuating inflammation.
Poorly resolved acute nasal inflammation, from infectious or allergic causes, can trigger inflammation that becomes chronic.
Air irritants, such as tobacco smoke, dust, or certain household products, can worsen signs.
The cause is often unknown and no specific risk factors are established.
A history of infectious or allergic nasal inflammation is sometimes found.
An environment with smoke or dust can maintain the signs.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian will establish when the nasal discharge started, which nostril is affected, and whether there has been any bleeding. A thorough examination of the nose, muzzle, teeth, and mouth is performed, and airflow through each nostril is checked.
Because the signs resemble those of other nasal diseases, diagnosis requires examinations under anesthesia: imaging of the head, preferably CT scan, followed by examination inside the nose using a small camera (rhinoscopy) and collection of small tissue samples from the nasal lining (biopsies).
These examinations help rule out a foreign object such as a grass seed, fungal infection, tumour, or infected tooth, and confirm the inflammation.
Dental examination is important: an abscess in an upper tooth can cause nasal discharge on the same side.
Treatment
There is no treatment that permanently cures this inflammation; the goal is to reduce the signs, and the dog's comfort often improves noticeably.
The veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication given either systemically or by inhalation depending on the case.
An antibiotic may be recommended when infection develops alongside the inflammation, but it does not treat the underlying disease.
Reducing air irritants (smoke, dust, room fragrances) and humidifying the air may help.
The signs tend to recur: regular monitoring allows treatment to be adjusted over time.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
There is no known prevention for the lymphoplasmocytic form.
Avoid smoking indoors and limit dust and irritating substances in your home.
Have a dog examined if nasal discharge has been present for several weeks, to rule out a foreign object such as a grass seed or another condition requiring different treatment.
Possible complications
Secondary infection of the nasal cavity, with thicker and more abundant discharge.
Breathing difficulty and disturbed sleep when the nose is severely blocked.
Return of signs when treatment is stopped.
When to see a veterinarian
Your dog is breathing through the mouth at rest, or the gums or tongue appear bluish: seek emergency care.
There is nosebleeding, heavy or occurring several times: consult during the day.
The muzzle is swelling, the nose is changing colour, or an eye appears to be protruding: consult within the week.
Nasal discharge has been present for more than three weeks.
Bouts of sneezing have been occurring for several weeks without improvement.
Signs return after treatment.
Prognosis
The disease is not life-threatening, but it is often long-lasting.
Most dogs maintain good quality of life with treatment, even if the discharge and sneezing do not always clear completely.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell it apart from a grass seed lodged in the nose?
Foxtail causes a sudden onset, often during or just after a walk, with violent sneezing, a dog rubbing its nose, and discharge from a single nostril. Chronic rhinitis develops gradually, has been present for weeks, and often affects both nostrils.
And what about a tumor or aspergillosis?
A nosebleed, a nose that discolours or becomes crusted, a painful or deformed muzzle, or a protruding eye are not features of chronic rhinitis. These signs point towards a fungal infection or a tumour. Only CT scanning, rhinoscopy, and biopsies can determine the diagnosis.
Why is anesthesia necessary to make the diagnosis?
The inside of a dog's nose is long and narrow: you cannot see it without equipment. CT scanning, endoscopy, and biopsies require the dog to be anesthetized. These examinations make it possible to rule out other causes.
My dog sometimes has "reverse sneezing": is this rhinitis?
Not necessarily. In dogs, these episodes are frequent and usually harmless. They become more concerning when they are numerous, recent, or accompanied by a runny nose, bleeding, or a stuffy nose sound: consult a veterinarian in that case.
References
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 10 October 2026
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