Nasal adenocarcinoma is characterized by the slow, progressive, local infiltration of tissue lining the nasal cavities (sinuses) by cancerous glandular epithelial cells. Most nasal adenocarcinomas in dogs are unilateral at first, which means that they usually start on one side of the nasal sinuses. However, nasal adenocarcinoma usually ultimately becomes bilateral, involving both sides of the nasal cavities. About 20% of these tumors start in the dogs’ frontal sinuses. Adenocarcinoma is the most common cause
The symptoms of canine adenocarcinoma will vary depending upon which glandular tissue is affected, the severity and extent of infiltration and metastasis and the dog’s overall systemic health - especially the functional strength of its immune system. Nasal adenocarcinoma tends to show a fairly consistent constellation of clinical signs.Nasal adenocarcinoma usually involves the slow, progressive, local invasion of the lining of the nasal cavities by neoplastic glandular cells. Typically, one nasal cavity is affected
Nasal tumors are not particularly difficult to diagnose. However, it is important to determine the type of tumor involved, so that an appropriate treatment and management protocol can be formulated.The results of routine blood work (complete blood count and serum biochemistry panel) and urinalysis are typically normal in dogs with nasal adenocarcinomas. Most veterinarians will take swabbed samples of nasal discharge and submit them to a diagnostic laboratory for evaluation, including microscopic assessment of the
Nasal adenocarcinoma can be tricky to treat. In many cases, it can be managed, although complete cure is rarely accomplished. Therapeutic goals include alleviating discomfort, preventing further metastasis, removing as much cancerous tissue as possible and prolonging the dog’s good quality of life.If a dog is having recurrent uncontrollable nose bleeds (epistaxis), immediate medical treatment may include sedation, packing of the nasal passageways with gauze soaked in medication and application of cold compresses to the