Canine Nasal Tumours: Palliative Welfare Management

Key Welfare Facts

Nasal tumours in dogs are typically malignant, with nasal carcinoma and sarcoma the most common diagnoses.
Signs include progressive nasal discharge, nosebleeds, facial deformity, and difficulty breathing causing chronic distress.
By diagnosis, most tumours have caused significant local invasion and cause considerable ongoing discomfort.
Radiation therapy is the primary treatment option, offering median survival of 9-19 months with good response.
Palliative care including NSAIDs, antibiotics for secondary infection, and humidification improves comfort significantly.
Regular welfare assessment guides treatment decisions and helps owners understand when quality of life is declining.

Welfare Assessment

Nasal tumours cause significant ongoing welfare compromise that requires active pain management. Discussing treatment options including radiation and palliative care with an oncologist allows informed decisions focused on maximising quality of life over quantity.

What You Can Do

Seek prompt veterinary assessment for persistent unilateral nasal discharge or nosebleeds
Discuss referral to a veterinary oncologist for full staging and treatment planning
Implement pain management and comfort measures early and throughout treatment
Use welfare scoring tools to guide ongoing treatment and end-of-life decisions