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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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
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Average Cost
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Top
Lymph Node Inflammation Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
tabby
Bela
9 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy,
Swollen Lymph Nodes On Back Legs
No Eating Or Drinking
6 weeks ago- My cat was attacked by possibly a raccoon or opossum. Was not a cat fight only hair on ground was my cats. I took him in right away vet found 5 bite wounds and laserations all on left side of body. Shot of antibiotics and issolation in to my room for 8 days- he recovered well. Then about 10 days ago- lethargy lose of appetite and swollen lymph glands on back of legs. Back to ER vet--Antibiotics again for 7 days- he started feeling better- yea! but on day 6 of antibiotics he took a turn straight downhill again. In 1 day--Help with information....
May 12, 2018
0 Recommendations
Both raccoons and opossums are wild animals which may be reservoirs for a variety of different diseases which we don’t normally come across in practice; however it is important to determine whether any infectious disease has been contracted by Bela. The symptoms of lethargy and lack of appetite are vague and do not help narrow down a specific cause; also your location may help in narrowing down a cause since some diseases are present in certain states or countries. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 12, 2018
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Calico
Solitaire
18 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Pawing At Mouth
ThickOral Mucus
I have an 18yr old calico, I took her to the vet feeling like she was having mouth pain/problems. Has swollen lymph’s on neck I think stromitis, because of thick mucus while trying to eat. The vet did not look in her mouth at all she was scared to be bit just ignored what I felt about my cat. Vet said she has lymphoma and gave me steroids. It’s Been 3 weeks and she is getting worse. The lymph nodes have doubled in size. can that be caused from stomitis? I am taking her back This week and complaining that they didn’t listen. Now she can’t eat or drink. I am concerned by just throwing a diagnosis out the vet has caused a lot of damage to my geriatric cat.
May 6, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Your cat definitely needs to have her mouth looked at, as dental disease could be the cause of her swollen lymph nodes. If your veterinarian did not want to look in your cats mouth, it might be best to get a second opinion, as that is a fundamental part of her exam, especially at her age. I hope that she is okay.
May 6, 2018
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Stray cat
Puku
1 Month
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Inflammation
My cat brought a kitten strangling. He is so little and barely a month old, somehow we could save the kitten. But he has some scratch marks on neck and leg. The leg had some tiny pimples like stuff that did cause him a lot of pain, he was crying and could barely sleep. I used betadine to clean the area and a lot of white substance came out and now it's healed and he was fine. Suddenly today I saw another inflammation around his neck where another scratch is, now I did the same cleaned the area and used betadine. But, still it looks painful and I hope he gets well. Any advice?
April 22, 2018
0 Recommendations
Scratches can become easily infected especially in kittens with a weakened immune system, you should continue to clean the area with Betadine and you should visit your Veterinarian since antibiotics may need to be prescribed if there is a severe infection. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 23, 2018
It has been abt 6 months since I adopte my cat from a adoption center but I have notice that she have some lumps under belly and it's swelling,it doesn't seem as though it's hurting cause touch it,so is there any advice or cure/ remedies?
May 21, 2018
Leeann
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Tiger
LA
4 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Loss Of Hair
My cat lymph nodes are swollen and lossing hair ?
He was an outside cat and I brought him in my home. I got him fixed in Feb in 2018 and after I got him fixed he got lazy and started losing his fur everywhere and now he lymph nodes are swollen and is starting to go towards his ear. He is eating fine as I can tell. He has lost weight simce he got fixed. He is my baby. And I'm scarred. I'm broke and can't take him to the vet.
April 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Unfortunately, without seeing LA, I can't determine what might be going on with him over an email. It is good that he is still eating, but the swelling on his face is concerning, as is his hair loss. Many clinics offer a free first exam so that you could have him looked at and get a better idea as to what might be happening, and any treatment that he might need. I hope that everything goes okay for him.
April 17, 2018
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Lymph Node Inflammation Average Cost
From 473 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$850
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