Nasal tumors in dogs (carcinoma, sarcoma)
Tumors of the nasal cavities occur mainly in older dogs and are usually malignant. The most common types are carcinomas, which arise from the nasal lining, and sarcomas, which arise from supporting tissues such as cartilage or bone. In the...
What is it?
Tumors of the nasal cavities occur mainly in older dogs and are usually malignant. The most common types are carcinomas, which arise from the nasal lining, and sarcomas, which arise from supporting tissues such as cartilage or bone. In the early stages, signs resemble those of simple rhinitis: runny nose and sneezing. What should raise concern is a discharge that starts on one side only, persists, becomes blood-tinged, or a muzzle that becomes misshapen. These tumors grow in place and can extend toward the eye or skull.
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:
Chronic nasal discharge, often starting on one side and later potentially affecting both sides. The discharge changes in appearance over weeks and sometimes contains blood. Nosebleeds, sometimes repeated. Sneezing. Stuffy nose breathing sounds, even when awake and at rest, when the tumor blocks airflow. Muzzle deformation: lump on top of the nose, swollen cheek or area below the eye, one side of the face larger than the other. Tearing eye on the same side, or an eye that appears larger or pushed forward when the tumor extends behind it. Signs develop gradually over weeks: a discharge that persists in an older dog should always be investigated. In advanced forms, the tumor can reach the brain and cause seizures, disorientation, or vision loss.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
As with most cancers, the precise cause is not known. Carcinomas arise from the cells lining the inside of the nose; sarcomas arise from cartilage, bone, or other supporting tissues. Age is the main identified risk factor.
Older dogs: the disease mainly affects dogs of a certain age. Breeds with long or medium muzzles are affected more often than flat-faced breeds.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian examines the nose, face, eyes, mouth, and lymph nodes, and checks airflow through each nostril.
Diagnosis cannot be made by physical examination alone: it relies on imaging of the head, preferably a CT scan, followed by a biopsy—that is, removal of a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis.
The biopsy identifies the tumor type, which determines the treatment plan.
General health screening and assessment for spread, particularly to the lymph nodes and lungs, are often performed.
The veterinarian simultaneously rules out other causes of one-sided chronic discharge: grass awns, aspergillosis, infected teeth. In Tunisia, nosebleed also prompts screening for leishmaniasis and tick-borne diseases.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the tumor type, its extent, and access to care options.
Radiation therapy is the standard treatment for nasal tumors in dogs when available.
Surgery alone is rarely sufficient because the tumor is difficult to remove completely in this location.
Chemotherapy or other treatments may be considered depending on the tumor type.
When specific treatment is not possible, comfort care aims to ease the dog's symptoms: anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relief, and treatment of secondary infections. The veterinarian will discuss this with you.
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.
The best approach is not to ignore nasal discharge in an older dog, especially if it comes from one side only or contains blood: earlier diagnosis provides more treatment options.
Possible complications
Tumor spread toward the eye, face, or brain.
Repeated nosebleeds, sometimes heavy.
Breathing difficulty and disturbed sleep.
Secondary infection of the nose.
When to see a veterinarian
Your dog is having seizures, appears disoriented, or seems unable to see: seek emergency care.
Your dog is breathing through the mouth at rest, or the gums or tongue appear blue: seek emergency care.
Your dog is bleeding heavily from the nose: consult within the day.
Your dog's muzzle is swelling, or one eye appears larger or protruding: consult within the next few days.
Your dog's nose has been draining from one side only for more than three weeks.
Discharge from an older dog changes appearance or becomes tinged with blood.
Prognosis
The prognosis is guarded, as these tumors are usually malignant and often discovered at an advanced stage.
It depends on the tumor type, its extent, and available treatments; radiation therapy may prolong survival and improve comfort.
Without specific treatment, the disease progresses; the veterinarian will help you assess your dog's quality of life.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell the difference from aspergillosis?
Both cause persistent discharge and nosebleeds. The tumor more commonly affects an older dog and may deform the muzzle or push an eye forward, with a normal-looking nose. Aspergillosis more commonly affects a younger dog, causes a painful muzzle, and often damages the nose. Only CT scan and biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis.
And what about chronic rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis does not usually cause nosebleeds or muzzle deformity, and often affects both nostrils. One-sided nasal discharge tinged with blood in an elderly dog should prompt investigation for a tumour.
My dog is bleeding from the nose: does it necessarily mean cancer?
No. A grass awn, aspergillosis, a coagulation disorder, or in Tunisia leishmaniasis and tick-borne diseases like ehrlichiosis can also be the cause. But repeated bleeding in an elderly dog should always be examined.
Is my dog suffering?
A nasal tumor can be uncomfortable, especially when it interferes with breathing or causes facial deformity. Comfort treatments are available; discuss them with your veterinarian, who will assess your dog's pain and quality of life.
References
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 10 October 2026
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