Preface

The nose of cats and dogs has a special secretion structure, and the nose of healthy dogs is in a state of entering. When there is a fever or metabolic disorder, the nose will feel hot and become dry. Normally, dogs that are sleeping or have just woken up may have a slightly dry nose, so it is important to distinguish between them. Nasal fluid is composed of secretions from the respiratory mucosa, inflammatory exudates, exfoliated or disintegrated tissues, as well as blood, saliva, food, water, and vomit flowing into the respiratory tract.

Healthy dogs generally do not have nasal fluid flowing out. In winter, there may be a small amount of serous nasal fluid. When checking, first observe whether the dog has nasal fluid. When checking nasal fluid, pay attention to the following points:

1. Unilateral or bilateral: If only one nostril has nasal fluid, then that nostril or one side of the paranasal sinus has a lesion. Having nasal fluid on both sides is a disease of the nasal cavity, throat, trachea, bronchi, or lungs on both sides.

2. Characteristics of nasal fluid:

① Serous nasal fluid: The nasal fluid is colorless and transparent, appearing as a water sample, and can be seen in the early stages of acute inflammation of the respiratory mucosa, as well as in the early stages of colds and canine distemper (details).

② Sticky nasal fluid: The nasal fluid is sticky, egg white like or gray white opaque, containing a lot of mucus, in the form of a string, and is seen in the middle or recovery period of respiratory mucosal inflammation, such as acute tracheal intubation.

Examination of Dog Nasal Fluid

If the color of the nasal mucus is yellowish or purulent, it must be sent for examination as soon as possible

③ Purulent nasal fluid: This type of nasal fluid appears as viscous, cloudy, opaque, yellow, grayish yellow, or yellow green in color, containing a large amount of white blood cell mucus. It is commonly found in the later stages of acute inflammation of the respiratory mucosa, sinusitis, suppurative inflammation of the bronchi or lungs, acute tracheal stenosis, and maxillary sinusitis caused by alveolar abscess.

④ Bloody nasal fluid: Nasal fluid mixed with blood, commonly found in diseases such as nasal mucosal trauma, nasal parasites or foreign bodies, nasal mucosal ulcers, tumors in the nasal cavity, acute nasal congestion, pulmonary edema, etc. Most cases have red serous nasal fluid. The color of nasal fluid may vary depending on the location of bleeding, with bright red nasal bleeding appearing as droplets or lines; Pulmonary hemorrhage is characterized by bright red nasal fluid on both sides, containing small bubbles; Gastric bleeding appears as a dark red color.

summary

Normally, dogs do not have a runny nose, so if you notice a runny nose, it is best to think about whether there have been significant weather changes recently, possibly due to catching a cold. For puppies, it is even more important to pay attention. If you find sticky, purulent, or bloody nasal fluid, it is best to take your dog for examination as soon as possible.