Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 10/05/2016Updated: 05/14/2021
Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Lymph Node Inflammation?
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.
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Average Cost
$850
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Symptoms of Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats
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.
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Tender or painful lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Mouth abscess
  • High temperature
  • Limping
  • Dull hair coat
Causes of Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats
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:
  • Bacterial infection
  • Fungal infection
  • Viral infection
  • Parasitic disease
  • Allergies
  • Reactive Lymphoid Hyperplasia (benign lymph node swelling)
  • Cancer of the lymph nodes or nearby organs
  • Neoplastic Infiltration (meningitis caused by cancer cells)
Diagnosis of Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats
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.
Treatment of Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats
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.
  • Surgical Removal: This may be possible if the cancer has not spread out of the lymph nodes. If the cat is in good condition, a general anesthetic will be administered and surgery will be performed. Depending on the location of the lymph nodes, the surgery can vary in its overall risk. At home care will be needed upon discharge.
  • Chemotherapy: This treatment can slow the progress of lymph node cancer in cats. It should be noted that cats are not treated the same way as humans. If the chemotherapy will drastically reduce the cat's quality of life, it will not be used.
  • Radiation Therapy: This treatment is often used in combination with surgery. It can focus on the microscopic occurrences of cancer that cannot be surgically removed. 
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Recovery of Lymph Node Inflammation in Cats
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.
Lymph Node Inflammation Average Cost
From 473 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$850
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Lymph Node Inflammation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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unknown
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11 months
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10 found this helpful

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10 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Cat Flu- Sneezing, Runny Nose, Trouble Breathing, Swollen Eyes, Swollen Lympnoid
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
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
10 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
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Six Years
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10 found this helpful

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10 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Lymph Nodes Back Legs
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
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
10 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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Local
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Kookie
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6 Weeks
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Under Chin
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
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Not sure
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Leonardo
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3 Years
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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Underweight
Hurts To Meow
Hair Is Thin And Oily
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
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Siamese and buramise
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Shadow
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4 Months
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3 found this helpful

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3 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Tired
Throwing Up
Barely Eating
Swollen Lymph Node
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
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Bomba
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Layla The Boy
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13 Years
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0 found this helpful

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My pet has the following symptoms:
Lump On Neck
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
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Lynx Point Siamese
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Louie
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13 Weeks
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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Lymph Nodes
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.
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Ocica
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Moki
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10 Months
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0 found this helpful

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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
Lymph Node Inflammation Average Cost
From 473 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$850
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