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Scabs on nose & matter in the nostrils

Sent to Pet Experts June 26 2006 at 5:22 AM
   

I have a purebred collie, 11 years old. For the past 6 months scabs have been forming on the side openings of his nostrils (just like a little kid w/ buggers), the inside of his nostril also looks plugged. I've been to the vet twice. Last time they even took cultures but nothing developed. He doesn't know what it is and said further tests would be invasive and he wouldn't do it to a dog as old as mine. What do you think it could be? Do I need to be worried about it?

 

Optional Information:
Age: 11; Male

Already Tried:
2 trips to vet, antibiotic tablets & nose drops./p>

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
June 26 2006 at 5:57 AM (34 minutes and 43 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Hi,

I am sorry to hear that your collie is having trouble. I would be concerned about this condition and the fact that the culture showed nothing. Your vet should do an x-ray of your dog's sinuses (it can be done with a dental xray machine) and possibly a nasal scope (rhinoscopy). That is not considered particularly invasive. 11 is not that old - this requires diagnostics. I would take your dog to an internal medicine specialist if your vet won't diagnose it. It doesn't sound right to me.

I hope that I've been helpful. Please let me know if I can answer more questions.



I share your concerns and am glad you have sought out help. I strive to provide you with excellent service. If this information has been helpful to you, please Accept! Bonuses are ALWAYS APPRECIATED.
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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Integrative Medicine (Western and Homeopathic)
Reply
June 26 2006 at 8:54 AM (2 hours and 57 minutes and 33 seconds later)
         
Reply to Dr. Lisa Boyer's Post: I'm not sure just what I should do at this point. Will your answer be the only answer I receive from "just answer"?

It's not that I don't trust YOU, I'm wondering why my vet hasn't suggested the x -ray. He did think the other test was invasive as he thought my dog would have to be sedated to do it and at his age, anesthesia isn't always a good idea. What do you think about that?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 26 2006 at 10:45 AM (1 hour and 51 minutes and 2 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

You won't receive another answer from an expert unless I'm really off track. Several experts review this posting and unless someone disagrees, they won't "overpost". Some veterinarians shy away from sinus xrays as they aren't always easy to take. I don't worry about anesthetizing older dogs if they have good liver and kidney function. I've NEVER lost one under anesthesia, and the anesthetic is very short acting. Old age is not a disease. I think of invasive procedures as those that enter a body cavity like biopsies and exploratory surgeries. Looking with a scope or an xray is about as non-invasive as you can get. I'm sure he was concerned about anesthesia, but if the right drugs and monitoring are used, it should be safe.

I would ask your vet about sinus xrays. Seems logical to me.

Good luck and let me know if you need further information.



I share your concerns and am glad you have sought out help. I strive to provide you with excellent service. If this information has been helpful to you, please Accept! Bonuses are ALWAYS APPRECIATED.
Dr. Lisa Boyer -- Veterinarian (DVM) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 122 Pet Accepts
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Integrative Medicine (Western and Homeopathic)
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