My cat's dry, crusty nose is getting worse. What's causing this?

Question

Hey. I need an advice. My vet couldn't tell what's wrong with my cat. This thing started with a running nose about 2 months ago and has gotten worse every week. The nose is so dry, literally, that it looks like it's being eaten away. My cat has heart problems and need those solved first before my vet can perform a nasal flush (she thinks that a strange object is causing all this.) But I'm starting to worry because it looks like something more serious. These pics show the change from normal. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 15 years and 8 months old | 8.3 lbs

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

First of all, Pulla is beautiful! I love her markings! As far as her nose goes, I can definitely see the crusting that you've mentioned on the left side of her nose. Since this has progressively worsened over the past few months, I would be more concerned about either an infection (bacterial and/or fungal) or cancer. Foreign objects or benign nasal polyps typically cause ongoing sneezing and nasal discharge, but don't usually cause this type of crusting on the nose. Certainly more diagnostic testing is needed to get to the bottom of this situation. I would ask your vet whether or not they feel that a bacterial culture and skin biopsy are needed at this point. The complicating factor is certainly Pulla's heart disease because any underlying heart issues make sedation or anesthesia much more risky. In addition to having her nose rechecked by your vet, I would also have her examined by a veterinary cardiologist, as they will be best suited to assess any anesthetic risks and treat any underlying heart disease. I hope that everything goes well for Pulla!

My cat's dry, crusty nose is getting worse. What's causing this?

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