Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

226 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
PLASTIC DISH NASAL DERMATITIS
This is a localized form of depigmentation that affects the nose and lips. It is
caused by eating out of plastic and rubber dishes that contain the chemical pbenzylhydroquinone.
This chemical is absorbed through the skin and inhibits
the synthesis of melanin, the substance that produces dark pigment in the
skin. The involved skin may also become irritated and inflamed.
Treatment: The problem can be corrected by switching to glass, ceramic,
or stainless steel bowls for all the dog’s food and water.
HYPERKERATOSIS (NASAL CALLUS)
This disease occurs in old dogs. The cause is unknown. The skin of the nose
becomes dry, thickened, and hornlike. The callused nose may crack and
develop fissures, then become irritated and infected. Hyperkeratosis can also
occur in association with zinc-responsive dermatosis, pemphigus foliaceus,
and discoid lupus erythematosus (all described in chapter 4).
Hard pad is a related condition involving the nose and foot pads; it occurs
as a sequel to canine distemper. As the dog recovers from distemper, the nose
often regains its normal appearance.
Treatment: There is no cure for idiopathic nasal callus. Control is aimed at
softening the nasal callus with wet dressings and keeping the nose well lubricated
with mineral oil, aloe, or petroleum jelly. Local infection is treated with
topical antibiotics, such as triple antibiotic ointment.
The Nasal Cavity
EPISTAXIS (NOSEBLEEDS)
Nosebleeds are caused by foreign bodies, trauma, infections, tumors, or parasites
that erode the nasal mucous membranes. Some are caused by lacerations
of the nostrils or puncture wounds from objects such as thorns or barbed wire.
Nosebleeds are often accompanied by bouts of sneezing that aggravate the
bleeding.
A spontaneous nosebleed may be a manifestation of a generalized clotting
disorder such as hemophilia or von Willebrand’s disease. Vitamin K deficiency
is another cause of spontaneous bleeding. It occurs most often with
poisoning by rodenticide anticoagulants.
Treatment: Keep the dog as quiet as possible. Apply an ice pack wrapped
in cloth to the bridge of the nose. If the nostril is bleeding and the bleeding
site is visible, apply steady pressure with a gauze square.
Most nosebleeds subside rather quickly when interference is kept to a minimum.
If the bleeding does not stop, or if there is no obvious cause, take your
dog at once to the veterinary clinic.