Unilateral haemolacria in a dog following nasal biopsies

Abstract

A 4‐year‐old, male, neutered whippet presented for investigation of a 2‐month history of sneezing with unilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge. Physical examination confirmed an intermittent right‐sided mucopurulent nasal discharge and revealed a stertor. Computed tomography showed right‐sided non‐destructive rhinitis. Blind nasal biopsies were taken following locoregional nerve blocks. Epistaxis was evident post biopsy and continued into recovery. Forty‐five minutes post extubation, the patient sneezed, and frank blood was noted at the inferior lacrimal punctum of the right nasolacrimal duct. The haemolacria resolved over 10 minutes without treatment. Three hours post‐recovery, the patient became agitated, the epistaxis increased, and the haemolacria recurred. Diluted adrenaline was applied topically into the nasal cavity, and both haemolacria and epistaxis were resolved within 5 minutes without further issues. This case report details the development and potential treatment options of haemolacria following nasal biopsies and the importance of close monitoring post procedure.