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Ulcerative lesions on the nasal planum in Dogs

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 18.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Urgent see a veterinarian within 24 hours

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

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Definition of

UlcerativeUlcerative refers to the condition or process that leads to the formation of ulcers. Ulcers are open Wounds or Lesions that can form on the skin or mucous membranes, are painful, and often heal slowly. lesions on the nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. planum in dogs are open, inflammatory Lesions that affect the skin and underlying tissue. They are often a sign of an underlying condition and can be both painful and distressing for the affected dog.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Nasal Dermatoses (Skin problem of the nose)

Grundlagen und mögliche Ursachen

Ulcerations on the nose of dogs can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common reasons is an injury, such as scratches or bites, which can become infected and lead to ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer.. In addition to mechanical injuries, there are also a number of diseases that can cause ulcerations.

Infections are a common cause. Bacterial infections, such as those caused by staphylococci, can lead to purulentPurulent refers to pus or the production of pus, which may indicate a bacterial infection. Purulent inflammatory conditions are often painful and may have significant swelling and redness. Inflammatory conditions that eventually ulcerate. Fungal infections, such as aspergillosis, can also affect the skin of the nose and lead to ulcers. ViralViral refers to viruses and their effects on the organism. Viral infections in dogs and cats can range from harmless colds to severe, life-threatening diseases. infections, especially by the CanineCanine refers to anything related to dogs. The term is used to describe characteristics, diseases, or specific aspects that specifically affect dogs. Herpesvirus, can also cause ulcerativeUlcerative refers to the condition or process that leads to the formation of ulcers. Ulcers are open Wounds or Lesions that can form on the skin or mucous membranes, are painful, and often heal slowly. skin changes.

Autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells or tissues as if they were foreign substances. Examples in dogs and cats include autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. such as systemic lupus erythematosus or pemphigus foliaceus, where the dog’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. mistakenly attacks its own cells, can also lead to ulcerations. These diseases are often chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. and require long-term treatment.

Environmental factors such as excessive sun exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. can lead to the formation of nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. ulcers in dogs with less pigmented skin. This photodermatitis is particularly a problem in breeds with light skin and little fur protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment..

Typische Begleitsymptome

Redness and Swelling: At the beginning of the ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer., the dog’s nose may appear red and slightly swollen, which is an initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. sign of an inflammatory condition.
Pain or sensitivity: Dogs with nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. ulcers often show signs of Pain. They may be sensitive to touch or try to Lick or rub the affected area.
Discharge: An ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer. can be accompanied by a clear or purulentPurulent refers to pus or the production of pus, which may indicate a bacterial infection. Purulent inflammatory conditions are often painful and may have significant swelling and redness. discharge, which may indicate an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
Crust formation: When the ulcerAn ulcer is an open wound or erosion of the skin or mucous membrane that often heals poorly and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections and chronic inflammatory conditions. begins to heal or dry out, a Crust can form. However, these Crusts can easily break open and bleed again.
Change in pigment: Long-term ulcerations can cause a change in skin pigmentation, leading to permanent spots or discoloration.

Wann zum Tierarzt?

Eskalation: RED for rapid , severe Pain, nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, Fever/apathy, or extensive mucous membrane involvement.

A veterinarian should be consulted if the ulcerations do not heal within a few days or even worsen. Even if the ulcerations are accompanied by severe discharge or Bleeding, an immediate veterinary visit is necessary. If there are signs of severe Pain or if the dog excessively Scratches or rubs its nose, a veterinarian should also be consulted.

Chronic or recurrentRecurrent refers to a disease that repeatedly returns or worsens after a temporary remission or improvement. ulcerations also require veterinary clarification, as they may indicate a serious underlying condition that needs to be treated to achieve lasting healing.

Symptomerkennung für den Tierhalter und tierärztliches diagnostisches Vorgehen

It is important for the pet owner to recognize the symptoms early. This includes observing Behavioral changes in the dog, such as frequent Scratching, rubbing, or Licking of the nose, as well as visible changes such as redness, Swelling, or discharge. Regular checking of the nose can help detect ulcerations early.

The veterinarian will first perform a thorough examination of the affected area. This often includes taking skin swabs or biopsies to determine the exact cause of the ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer.. Blood tests may also be necessary to rule out or confirm systemic diseases such as autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells or tissues as if they were foreign substances. Examples in dogs and cats include autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus..

In some cases, an allergic reaction may also be responsible, which can be checked by allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. testing procedures. Based on the examination results, the veterinarian will suggest the best possible treatment method.

Was kann der Tierhalter tun und professionelle Therapieoptionen

The pet owner can take some measures to provide relief to the dog until the veterinary visit. This includes preventing further Scratching or rubbing by applying a special Elizabethan collar to avoid further injuries.

Gentle cleaning of the affected area with lukewarm water can help remove dirt and bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease.. Aggressive cleaning agents should be avoided so as not to further irritate the sensitive skin.

It is important to keep the dog in a quiet and clean place to promote healing and prevent further infections. The pet owner should ensure that the dog drinks enough fluids and eats regularly to support the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body..

After the veterinary visit, it is crucial to consistently continue the prescribed treatment and to pay attention to changes in the skin’s appearance. Close cooperation with the veterinarian can help monitor the healing process and make adjustments to the therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. if necessary.

Ausblick auf aktuelle Forschung

Research into ulcerativeUlcerative refers to the condition or process that leads to the formation of ulcers. Ulcers are open Wounds or Lesions that can form on the skin or mucous membranes, are painful, and often heal slowly. lesions on the nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. planum in dogs has gained momentum in recent years, as this symptom can often indicate a variety of diseases. Scientists are investigating the molecular mechanisms that lead to the formation of such skin changes to develop better diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. methods. The focus is on understanding the immune responses of dogs and how they play a role in the development of ulcerations. Some studies focus on the genetic factors that make certain breeds more susceptible to these symptoms.

Another area of research investigates the role of environmental factors and their influence on the skin health of dogs. Researchers analyze how environmental toxins, allergens, and even nutrition can influence susceptibility to ulcerations. There is evidence that certain nutrient deficiencies can impair skin health and increase the likelihood of ulcerativeUlcerative refers to the condition or process that leads to the formation of ulcers. Ulcers are open Wounds or Lesions that can form on the skin or mucous membranes, are painful, and often heal slowly. changes. The aim of these studies is to develop preventive measures that reduce the risk of such symptoms.

Furthermore, there are advances in the development of new topicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. and systemic therapies specifically aimed at the treatment of ulcerations. Research groups are testing innovative medications that reduce Inflammatory conditions and promote skin healing. These therapies could not only alleviate the symptoms but also improve the overall well-being of dogs. Research is also moving towards personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to the individual needs and genetic predispositions of the dog.

A remarkable advance is the use of imaging techniques for the early detection of ulcerations. Technologies such as high-resolution dermatoscopy allow veterinarians to observe and document skin changes more precisely. This can enable an earlier and more accurate diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients., which in turn can improve the effectiveness of the treatment. The integration of such technologies into veterinary practice represents a significant step forward.

Overall, current research results show that a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to comprehensively understand the symptom of ulcerativeUlcerative refers to the condition or process that leads to the formation of ulcers. Ulcers are open Wounds or Lesions that can form on the skin or mucous membranes, are painful, and often heal slowly. lesions on the nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. planum in dogs. By combining genetic, immunological, and environmental studies, scientists can develop more comprehensive and effective strategies for diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment. Ongoing research promises to significantly improve the quality of life for affected dogs.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

What are ulcerativeUlcerative refers to the condition or process that leads to the formation of ulcers. Ulcers are open Wounds or Lesions that can form on the skin or mucous membranes, are painful, and often heal slowly. lesions on the nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. planum in dogs? UlcerativeUlcerative refers to the condition or process that leads to the formation of ulcers. Ulcers are open Wounds or Lesions that can form on the skin or mucous membranes, are painful, and often heal slowly. lesions on the nose are open Wounds or Lesions that form on the skin surface of a dog’s nose. They can be caused by various factors such as infections, autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells or tissues as if they were foreign substances. Examples in dogs and cats include autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus., or environmental irritants.
How do I know if my dog is suffering from nasal ulcerations? Typical signs include redness, Swelling, Crusts, and open Wounds on the nose. The dog might also show signs of discomfort or Pain, such as excessive Scratching or rubbing of the nose.
Are nasal ulcerations in dogs dangerous? While not life-threatening in themselves, ulcerations can indicate serious underlying health problems that need to be treated. Without treatment, they can become infected and worsen the dog’s condition.
Can ulcerations in dogs heal on their own? In some cases, mild ulcerations can heal on their own, especially if the cause is removed. However, it is important to consult a veterinarian to determine the cause and ensure that no serious illness is present.
How are nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. ulcerations in dogs diagnosed? The veterinarian will usually perform a thorough physical examination and may order tests such as skin biopsies, blood tests, or allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. tests to determine the cause of the ulcerations.
What treatment options are available for nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. ulcerations in dogs? The treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may include the application of topicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. or oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or special ointments. In some cases, a change in the dog’s diet or environment may also be necessary.
How can I prevent my dog from developing nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. ulcerations? Good skin and coat care, regular veterinary check-ups, and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of skin problems. Avoid Contact with known irritants and ensure a clean environment.
Should I use home remedies to treat ulcerations in my dog? It is advisable to use home remedies only after consulting a veterinarian. Some home remedies can worsen symptoms or delay healing if not applied correctly.
Can certain breeds be more at risk for nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. ulcerations? Yes, some breeds are genetically more susceptible to skin problems, including ulcerations. It is important to be aware of the specific health needs and risks of your own breed.
When should I see a veterinarian if my dog has nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. ulcerations? If the ulcerations do not improve within a few days, worsen, the dog is in Pain, or shows other symptoms, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately to determine the cause and begin appropriate treatment.