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My dog's nose is blocked for months. Could it be allergies or serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Terrier | Female | unspayed | 10 years and 10 months old

My 12 year old border terrier has had what it seems like a blocked nose for just over 2 months she ends up having breathing difficulties from trying to breathe through her nose. A month ago an X-ray came back clear of the nasal area and no antibiotics seem to be working. Is there any chance this could be an allergy or should I push my vets to have her checked out more because they seem to just constantly give her antibiotics. Thanks Beth

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 4th, 2016

Given that the antibiotics are not working, I would speak to your vet about further testing on Mya. It could be caused by allergies, and blood tests and intradermal skin tests can be done to see if that is causing her symptoms. It does need to be diagnosed so that she can be successfully treated to relieve her symptoms.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would definitely recommend pursuing further testing. If the previous x-ray was clear then a bacterial culture of nasal passage/discharge is the next best step. Also samples of nasal and respiratory fluid can be evaluated for other possible pathogens including fungal and parasitic bugs. If their is no discharge however then advanced imaging may be needed such as an MRI or CT scan, which are more sensitive to detecting problems in the nasal passages. Especially I they are too small to show up on an x-ray.

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