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The production of too many immune cells at once is what causes the lymphadenopathy. Either a solitary nodule can be effected, or a group of nodules. When this occurs in younger cats, it is generally due to an infectious disease. Swollen lymph nodes are a common finding in many sick cats. Infections and other complications signalled by inflamed lymph nodes need to be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for the best results.
Lymph nodes are ducts within the body that are used to collect fluid and return it to the bloodstream. Inside the lymph nodes, lymphocytes (white blood cells) destroy bacteria, fungi, viruses, and cancer cells. When the body faces infection, the lymph nodes located closest to the infection will swell or enlarge. This is referred to as lymphadenopathy.
Lymph Node Inflammation Average Cost
From 473 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$850
As lymph nodes swell from many different types of infections all over the body, various symptoms can occur. Below are the most common symptoms associated with lymphadenopathy.
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Generally, the cause of swollen lymph nodes has to do with a nearby issue in the body. These issues can range from minor to life-threatening and should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Causes are as follows:
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The first thing that a veterinarian will need from you is your cat's extensive medical history. This can give clues to underlying problems that may have developed to cause the swelling. A physical examination of the cat will be completed to try and locate the affected lymph nodes by feeling key areas of the body. Often this will include the submandibular (where the jaw meets the neck), the axillary (armpit of the front legs), the prescapular (where the front leg joins the shoulder) and the popliteal (on the rear legs opposite of the knee) areas. If there is any pain in these locations, that is an indication of swollen lymph nodes.
The vet will rule out all possible harmless syndromes by assessing all symptoms. Blood work will be done to get an overall picture on the cat's health. A complete blood count will show how many blood cells are present and indicate if cancer is the cause. A biochemical profile will show other substances in the blood. Urinalysis can help detect bacteria that may be causing infection. A lymph node biopsy to collect samples for microscopic examination may be needed if cancer is suspected.
X-rays and ultrasounds can be used to detect tumors or other abnormalities on the lymph nodes. When any lymphadenopathy is present, Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus should be tested for. A fecal parasitological exam may be needed if parasites are suspected. The vet may recommend more extensive testing until a cause has been identified.
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To restore lymph nodes to their normal size, the underlying condition that is causing the inflammation needs to be treated. There are a number of different treatments depending on which ailment the cat is suffering from.
Bacterial Infection
The corresponding antibiotic will be prescribed to eliminate a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are often prescribed for 2-4 weeks.
Fungal Infection
Antifungal medication, shampoo, or cream will be prescribed to eradicate a fungal infection affecting the cat.
Allergies
In the case of allergies, tests or the process of elimination will be used to identify the allergen. Once identified, the allergen will be removed from the cat’s environment or diet.
Viral Infections
Most viral infections can only be treated symptomatically. The cat may need to be hospitalized for supportive care while fighting a viral infection. Intravenous fluids may be administered to keep the cat hydrated. Other care may be administered to keep the cat as comfortable as possible.
Cancer
Cancer of the lymph nodes is very serious and needs to be treated aggressively. There are three main ways to treat cancer of the lymph nodes.
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Once your cat is home, take care to administer all prescriptions exactly as requested. This can help ensure all infections are properly treated. If symptoms are not going away, further treatment and tests may be necessary to find the root of the issue. A check-up appointment will be needed to gauge if lymph node swelling has gone down.
Once an infection has cleared out of the cat’s system, the lymph nodes should return to their normal size. If the cat has undergone surgery, extra care should be given to keep the incision clean and decrease all stress inducers during the healing process. It should be noted that in cases of lymph node cancer, prognosis is not great, with the maximum survival being about two years.
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Lymph Node Inflammation Average Cost
From 473 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$850
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Ask a Vet
unknown
11 months
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
I have an 11 month old barn cat. He had developed what looks like cat flu. He was sneezing, runny nose and eyes. He took off for 3 days and came back with his one eye swollen and looked like full of mucus. I cleaned with warm cloth and gave medicated eye droos. I have been giving him water with electrolytes 3 times a day to keep him hydrated, and have been trying to give him nutrical but he fights it as he seems to have a hard time swallowing. I noticed today that he has a swollen lymph node on his neck. He will drink water on his own, but he has yet to eat anything.
Aug. 3, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. That cat sounds quite sick, and it would probably be best to have them seen by a veterinarian. It may need antibiotic therapy or other medications. Once a veterinarian is able to look at the cat, see what might be going on, and get a treatment plan, you may be able to help keep the cat healthy. I hope that all goes well for the cat.
Aug. 3, 2020
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Feline
Six Years
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My cat is only indoors and is a real odd ball. The last inch of his tail is broken at an angle and one of his canine teeth grew in straight forward. Otherwise he's been the picture of health. I recently noticed the lymph nodes behind his back "knees" were really swollen and I have a vet appointment, but with limited contact with a vet these days I'm trying to prepare myself for some things. He's not showing any other signs of pain or discomfort, he's eating/drinking normally. I can't tell of any other swelling going on, though, so with it localized there on his legs I'm wondering what it couldbe
July 28, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Swollen lymph nodes can happen with infection or lymphoma. If there are more than one swollen lymph node, we worry more. Your veterinarian will be able to take samples at your appointment, and see if you have a concern for cancer or if it is infection. They will be able to discuss treatment with you as well. I hope that all goes well for your cat.
July 28, 2020
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Kookie
Local
6 Weeks
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
i have a six week old kitten which i found abandoned a few hours after he was born so i practically raised the little one. at six week he is severely underweight (only 200grams). he was doing fine despite of being small, feeds well according to his size. but two days ago, he had difficulty swallowing and he had a fever so i took him to the vet and prescribed him meloxicam (.1ml for the first dose, the .05 succeeding days, for 5 days). his fever was gone. but a day after, he's still not swallowing well, not pooping for two days and urine is bright yellow. then i discovered why he was having trouble swallowing, his under chin is swollen, and i noticed his left eye became cloudy, he was teary eyed. then today his right paw became swollen, too. i think the vet didn't really take a good look at him because he was just a small rescued animal. i am very heartbroken as of the moment watching the little fella become weaker by the moment.
Sept. 18, 2018
Kookie's Owner
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Leonardo
Not sure
3 Years
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
i have a 3 and a half year old cat whom i found abandoned by its mother he looked so near death i didnt expect him to make it, but he did and here we are years later, only troubling thing is since ive had him he had lymph nodes larger than the normal cat, i have other cats and i dont even feel anything there with them! but as he got older they got bigger, hes so underwieght and we had a flea problem when moving into a unknown to us infested home. and thought maybe thats why he lost wieght, but we gave him deworming medicene and im suspecting that wasnt it at all.. i dont know what to do i love my little guy and want him healthy.
Sept. 14, 2018
Leonardo's Owner
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Shadow
Siamese and buramise
4 Months
Mild severity
1 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My kitten shadow, is approximately 4 or 5 months old and the left lymph gland is swollen and he’s throwing up, tired and not eating. He’s been like this for 2 days. He was an outside kitty that showed up a few months ago and never left. So I don’t know what the history of his mother and father is. Any advice? Please? He’s normally a fun and outgoing kitty that runs around all day, and I’m worried.
Sept. 1, 2018
Shadow's Owner
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Layla The Boy
Bomba
13 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My cat was diagnosed by a physical exam 3 weeks ago with an abscess on his neck. He’s an indoor cat so it’s not from a fight or anything it’s internal so he’s been on antibiotics for 3 weeks now and it’s not going away. He’s acting completely normal but I’m worried the lumps still there. Has anyone ever treated their cat for a abscess like this if so how long were they on anabiotic’s before the lump went away
Louie
Lynx Point Siamese
13 Weeks
Fair severity
1 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
Got a kitten at 8 weeks, got his first round of shots. Then at 11 weeks I noticed he had matching swollen popliteal nodes (back of the leg) so we took him in, had blood work done came back normal except for high lymphocytes. Also had him tested for FCOV which was negative. He is almost 13 weeks now hasn't had his 2nd shots yet. Vet says he will probably grow out of it. No fever no symptoms he acts like every other crazy kitten I've ever had.
Moki
Ocica
10 Months
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
My cat is not eating anything and also behaving differently and not meowing as she used to did before and also she has developed a lump in her neck within two days
Bruce
American Shorthair
2 Years
Moderate severity
1 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
I noticed about a week ago my 2 year old American shorthair had several scabs on his chin. It looked to be cat acne. I took him to the vet and was given a course of antibiotics. I have noticed that now his lymph nodes are swollen on his neck. Do you think this is associated to the acne? Is it possible the acne caused an infection? He is losing hair on his chin and has several open sores.
L
Siamese
10 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
I’ve had Siamese L since she was a kitten and she is now 10. She’s always been an indoor cat and had all of her kitten injections. She has a very large swelling to the right & under her jaw in what I assume is her lymph node. This swelling happened just after she lost a tooth so I thought it could be an abscess and took her to a vet who did a needle test but there was no pus. She’s had it for about a month now, none of my other 3 cats are experiencing similar. She is acting normal and eating/drinking though I think she has lost a little weight. What could this be?
Lymph Node Inflammation Average Cost
From 473 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$850
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