Nasal tumors in dogs cause progressive facial pain, nosebleeds, and breathing difficulty, with most cases diagnosed late and requiring difficult decisions about radiation therapy or palliative care.
Nasal tumors cause significant, progressive suffering. Chronic nosebleeds are distressing and may be severe. Facial bone invasion causes pain that dogs mask until advanced. Difficulty breathing through the nose affects sleep and exercise tolerance. Radiation therapy, while extending survival, requires daily anesthesia for several weeks and causes temporary mucositis. Palliative care focused on pain management and quality of life is a legitimate and compassionate choice that deserves equal respect to curative-intent therapy.