Swollen Nose

[NeylasMom]

I was just petting Neyla and noticed that her nose is swollen. It's the area right above her actual nose, about the size of a quarter (so not the black part but right above and doesn't go any farther up). She doesn't seem bothered by it, even if I press on it, but I'm sure this is not normal. I looked at recent photos just to be certain and it is most certainly swollen. Any ideas what could be causing this? Has anyone experienced this?

 

We're still investigating the suspected bacterial infection - culture, urinalysis, and blood work were yesterday, but the vet wasn't anywhere near her face (blood draws were in back legs, she had to do both to get enough blood). The vet did give me a steroid cream for a bump she has on the base of her tail, but I've only applied it 2x so far and have tried to keep Neyla from licking it, although possibly not 100% successfully. I also started applying vaseline to her vulva, but she continues to work on herself although not as much.

 

Could this just be from constantly working at herself? I have seen her rubbing her face a little the last day or two - I thought she was just cleaning her face after cleaning herself - so maybe that's it and that's causing the swelling, or I was mistaken and her nose is a little irritated? Any other ideas? I really don't think she was bitten by anything - I am nearly positive I would know.

 

I'm going to see how it is in the morning. I'm not super worried yet, but man I would really love a break for my poor girl.

 

Anyway, any ideas would be appreciated.

Edited November 28, 2010 by NeylasMom

[NeylasMom]

Quick update - nose is less swollen this morning although I thought her breathing sounded funny when she was sniffing on our walk (not from her chest, just air moving through her nose) so I don't think it's all better yet. The more I think about it, the more I think it must have been the steroid cream. The first time or two that I applied it, I caught her licking her vulva shortly after. Realized that would mean her nose was rubbing right where I had applied the steroid cream. Does it make sense that the steroid cream would do that?

[Guest IrskasMom]

I really have no Idea just sending that little Girl some and a Cookie for later

 

I think you and that little Girl need a Break

Edited November 28, 2010 by IrskasMom

[grey14me]

I don't really know what affect the steroid cream would have but it sure seems to make sense given the circumstances. Does the cream say anything about irritation/not licking/etc.?

[NeylasMom]

Please give us a break!! Neyla was curled up on the couch with me when I looked down and thought the toes on her back left foot looked swollen. So when she got up, I checked her over and lo and behold, both the front left and back left feet are swollen. The other 2 seem to be fine right now. Neither foot seems painful if I touch/squeeze. What is going on?!!

 

I don't really know what affect the steroid cream would have but it sure seems to make sense given the circumstances. Does the cream say anything about irritation/not licking/etc.?

I checked, systemic reactions reportedly rare with topical application but some evidence that they can be absorbed and cause systemic effects, which would be similar I presume to oral administration. Symptoms they list are polydipsia (uh, yeah, she's already got that), polyurea (same), and increased weight gain. I find it hard to believe that the ointment could be causing this in light of the feet - I think I've applied it 3 times since I got it Friday afternoon - and these aren't even symptoms listed. Strangely, I do think Neyla's water consumption has decreased since Friday and last night she only had one accident instead of 2 or 3.

 

Our test results from Friday cannot come soon enough.

 

Does anyone think this is worrisome enough that I should try to contact my oncologist today. I don't know what they could tell me to do so I'm inclined to just wait until tomorrow unless things get even worse. I obviously have discontinued the steroid ointment just in case.

[ZoomDoggy]

When was the last time her kidney function was tested? Was that part of Friday's testing?

[NeylasMom]

When was the last time her kidney function was tested? Was that part of Friday's testing?

Yes, it was tested the morning of her pamidronate treatment (so just under 2 weeks ago) and we drew blood again this Friday. We did do a urinalysis one week ago and those results did not indicate a kidney problem, and the urine from the sterile culture draw was concentrated, but obviously we need blood work to confirm that they're okay. We should have those results tomorrow.

Edited November 28, 2010 by NeylasMom

[Batmom]

Yes, I would contact your oncologist today. Better your oncologist than the e-vet (who is not an oncologist and doesn't know Neyla's history) tonight. Could be some lasix, enalapril, etc. would be of help to her.

 

Nothing to do with the cream.

 

ETA: Didn't mean to sound quite so dour. Just, I would not like the swelling on the nose nor the relatively rapid onset of swelling on those feet. Wouldn't expect her to blow up like a balloon before morning, but she could get pretty uncomfortable and oncologist is more likely to have some ideas why and what to do about it than generic e-vet. Fingers crossed that whatever docs you talk to when, they're not needed and the problem goes away on its own.

Edited November 28, 2010 by Batmom

[Guest bigorangedog]

It IS probably an allergic reaction to something (are you able to give some Benadryl along with whatever other meds you're giving?).

 

However, just so you don't overlook the possibility, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy is a symptom of pulmonary metastases. It's basically a soft-tissue swelling of the extremities. (I don't know that the nose is a place you'd see it, but I have very limited experience with it -- just my Whitey.) Along with the swelling you also MIGHT see runny eyes and/or nose, or rough breathing. Of course, all of those things could also look like an allergic reaction.

 

I guess if it were me, I'd try some Benadryl and see if it helps.

[NeylasMom]

Well I did just read that peripheral edema can be a symptom of a severe bacterial infection so I'm going to keep hoping this is all just part of that, but I will try to contact my vet now.

[Guest kelli123]

Huggs to you guys,

Im sorry this is happening Ill be thinking of the both of you.

[KF_in_Georgia]

I'm glad you're calling the vet. I don't have any experience leading me to say that--just a worrying dread because you guys don't need any more problems to deal with, and I'd be inclined to panic over anything out of the ordinary.

[Wonder]

[nyGreys]

Hugs & prayers to you & Neyla.

[4My2Greys]

Adding hugs, prayers and white light here too for Neyla.

 

Judy

[greysandmollie]

Jen...

 

for you and Neyla....Hope you can find something out soon.

[Guest greytbookert]

Sending prayers for you and Neyla!

[Fostr_Mom]

Prayers for you and Neyla. You've been fighting so hard for her, I hope this is just a teeny-weeny little bump in the road.

[Magdalyn58]

Sending hugs and prayers and lots of positive thoughts for you and your dear Neyla.

[NeylasMom]

You guys are so awesome, thank you for the good wishes. Just a really quick update - my vet did respond by email. Said that if it got worse or she started acting lethargic/had difficulty breathing we should see the evet, otherwise, if it's not gone tomorrow she should be seen. The swelling appears to be about the same or slightly better right now so I think we are okay until morning, at which point I will call my vet to see if they have test results.

[Guest Greytluv]

Neyla

[EllenEveBaz]

Adding our cyberhugs for your girl.

[Guest PiagetsMom]

Sending good thoughts for your sweet girl

[Charlies_Dad]

Jen, just seeing this now. I hope the swelling has subsided and if it hasn't, we'll keep Neyla and you in our thoughts tomorrow.

[DesiRayMom]

Thinking of you & Neyla this morning.....hope vet visit goes well.