Nasal mucosal mineralization, ulceration and epistaxis in a dog with uremia caused by chronic renal failure

Abstract

Soft tissue mineralization and epithelial ulceration are common findings in dogs with uremia, being commonly reported in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs and pleura. This report described a case of nasal mucosal mineralization and ulceration contributing to recurrent epistaxis in a dog with chronic renal failure and uremia. A dog with recurrent epistaxis accompanied by elevated urea and creatinine was hospitalized. Platelet count and coagulation tests were within normal limits. Chronic renal failure was diagnosed, and the dog was euthanized. On necropsy, the kidneys were small, with an irregular capsular surface. The nasal conchae were slightly reddish. Histopathology revealed chronic glomerulonephritis, with gastric mineralization and bilateral parathyroid hyperplasia. Vascular and basal lamina mineralization, epithelial ulceration and hemorrhage were seen in the nasal conchae. The observed findings indicated that nasal mineralization and ulceration were caused by uremia. The severity of histopathological findings suggested that nasal mineralization/ulceration may have caused or at least contributed to epistaxis in this dog. We hope to stimulate further investigations into possible association between uremia, nasal mucosa mineralization/ulceration and epistaxis in dogs.