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My pet has tick fever. Could bloody noses be a related symptom?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 10 years and 4 months old | 40 lbs

My pet has tick fever and has recently been having bloody noses. Could this be another symptom?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angela Hinton, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 24, 2018

Hello there!

I am sorry to hear Platypus has tick fever.
Hopefully treatment has already been started.
Yes, bleeding from the nose could potentially be another symptom as tick diseases can affect the platelets. In order for the nose bleeds to be related to the platelets, her count would have to be extremely low (range is usually 170-400 and they would have to be <20).
If her counts are indeed that low it can be very serious and potentially life threatening if she starts to have bleeding in other places.

I would recommend you take her in to see her vet so she can be examined and have some bloodwork checked. They will likely want to check a CBC (complete blood count) that measures her white cells, red cells and platelets. Depending on the levels additional treatment may be needed to help her platelet levels until the tick disease can be fully be treated.

I hope this information has been helpful to you and I wish you and Platypus all the best!

Dr. Angela Hinton

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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