What is Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy)?
Lymph nodes are an important part of your dog’s immune response. They belong to the lymphatic system, a circulatory network that produces and transports a white blood cell containing fluid called lymph. Lymph carries infection causing antigens to the lymph nodes, which in turn produce extra antibodies to fight the infection. Lymph nodes play a crucial role in the body’s response to disease, allergic reactions, and auto-immune responses.
Lymph nodes are found in many different parts of the body, including five external sites as well as inside the abdominal cavity and the chest. A condition or abnormality of the lymph nodes is called lymphadenopathy. Lymph node enlargement is the most common sign associated with lymphadenopathy. In many cases, short-term enlargement is only a minor sign of infection that suggests the immune system is working harder and white blood cells are congregating in the lymph nodes; however chronically or markedly enlarged lymph nodes are an important early sign of cancer. Primary lymph node cancer is called lymphoma, and it is usually marked by swelling of the affected lymph nodes.
Many types of leukemia also affect the lymphocytes and cause similar symptoms. Other cancers frequently metastasize to the lymph nodes first and may cause inflammation there as the immune system attempts to fight the neoplastic proteins. Veterinarians often evaluate the lymph nodes to determine whether a cancerous condition is in the final or early stages. Not all lymphadenopathies are cancerous. Benign tumors can also make the lymph nodes swollen, and chronic inflammation from an allergic reaction or a persistent infection may cause similar symptoms.
Lymph nodes are small glands that play a crucial role in the immune system in dogs. They are found in many different places in the body, both externally close to the skin and internally in the chest and abdomen. Abnormality or enlargement of the lymph nodes is called lymphadenopathy. This can be caused by many different diseases, including bacterial or fungal infection, and cancer.
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Symptoms of Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy) in Dogs
Lymphoma is a relatively common cancer in dogs, so it’s a good idea to get your pet checked out if you notice persistent or sudden swelling in this area. These are some of the signs to look for.
Enlarged lymph nodes
- Under the muzzle
- In the shoulder area at the jointure between the front legs and the body
- Either side of the chest or the armpit area
- On the abdomen close to the back legs
- On the back legs, close to the knees
Other symptoms
- Nausea or lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing, eating, or breathing (if the lymph nodes on the jaw are very swollen)
- General malaise
- Fever
Types
Your dog has several different types of lymph nodes.
External – these are lymph located close to the surface where swelling can cause a palpable lump. On dogs, they are found in five specific areas of the body.
Submandibular –on the jaw
Prescapular – shoulder
Axillary – armpit area
Inguinal - abdomen
Popliteal – knee area on the back legs
Internal – these are lymph nodes located inside the chest and abdominal cavities; enlargement is not detectable with palpation, but it will be visible on an x-ray
Causes of Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy) in Dogs
These are the main causes of lymphadenopathy
- Many different bacterial, viral, or fungal infections cause the lymph nodes to become enlarged (this can be the lymph nodes’ response to a general infection, or it can be an infection that takes root in the lymph nodes themselves and causes long-term inflammation which is called called lymphadenitis)
- Allergic reaction
- Auto-immune response
- Cancer such as lymphoma or lymphosarcoma, lymphocytic leukemia, metastasis from another type of cancer
Diagnosis of Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy) in Dogs
The veterinarian will palpate your dog’s lymph nodes during the physical examination. It is much easier for a professional to diagnose enlarged lymph nodes than an untrained dog owner, so many lymphadenopathies are discovered on an examination performed for another reason. If you want to check your dog’s lymph nodes at home on a regular basis, the veterinarian may be able to show you where and what to look for. Lymph nodes that are enlarged because of a neoplastic condition are usually painless and hard, however if lymphadenitis is present, and the lymph nodes are inflamed, they may be tender and warmer than the surrounding area.
Thoracic and abdominal x-rays or ultrasound can diagnose enlargement in the internal lymph nodes. These may be ordered after a physical exam or because your dog is experiencing other symptoms of systemic illness. Depending on the cause of the lymphadenopathy, a blood test may show elevated levels of white blood cells because the body is fighting an infection. This may also be the case with allergic reactions and auto-immune responses. With cancerous conditions like leukemia or lymphoma, abnormal white blood cells may appear on a blood test.
The best way to find the cause of lymphadenopathy is through microscopic examination of a cellular sample. A needle aspirate can be performed on an external lymph node. The veterinarian will insert a very small needle and extract a sample. Since an aspirate only removes a small sample from a specific part of the gland, the veterinarian may also prefer to remove the entire lymph node and examine it. This will determine for certain what kind of condition is causing your dog’s signs.
Treatment of Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy) in Dogs
Treatment will depend on the cause of lymphadenopathy. Bacterial or fungal infections will be treated with an antibiotic or antifungal medication. If an allergic reaction is causing the problem, a specific allergen may be identified and avoided, however this is often difficult. Unknown allergic reactions or autoimmune responses will be treated with medication to reduce inflammation.
For lymphoma, chemotherapy medication is a common treatment. Medication should be started immediately since untreated dogs often die quite quickly. Lymphocytic leukemia is also treated with oral or intravenous chemotherapy medication. Other cancers that are affecting the lymph nodes through metastasis may be removable surgically, followed by chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
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Recovery of Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy) in Dogs
Many types of infectious lymphadenopathy are treatable and your dog may make a complete recovery. Cancerous causes often don’t have a good prognosis, but this will depend on the type of cancer and the stage it is in, as well as the treatment that you and your veterinarian decide upon. Your veterinarian will be able to give you a better idea of your dog’s chances upon diagnosis.
The best way to manage the lymphadenopathy is by learning how to check for enlarged lymph nodes, and examining your dog regularly. Lymphoma is a common type of cancer in dogs and early treatment is much more effective. If you take your dog to the veterinarian at the first sign of a problem the chances of recovery will be much higher.
Paying for enlarged lymph nodes out of pocket can be a major financial burden. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies reimburse claims within 3 days, putting 90% of the bill back in your pocket. In the market for pet insurance? Compare leading pet insurance companies to find the right plan for your pet.
Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy) Average Cost
From 22 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
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Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
jack russell,hes small
1 yr old
16 found this helpful
16 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
He's wheezing and his throat is swollen and I can't afford to take him to the vetenarian,what can I give him at home, please
Dec. 18, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
16 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry to hear that your dog is having issues. You can give Benadryl the dosage is 1mg/pound twice a day. You can also give Robitussin DM if he is coughing. A medium-size dog would need 3 MLS once a day. I would only give one not both.
If this does not help, there may be something more severe going on and he would need to see your vet.
Dec. 18, 2020
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Minature daschun
One Year
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bee Sting And Vaginosis
Dog was stung by a bee today then presented swollen nose, and lymph node on next. Also experiencing swollen vagina
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I am sorry for the delay, this platform is not set up for urgent emails.
If she is still experiencing these problems, it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian, as she may need therapy for the reaction. If she is not spayed, she may be going into heat.
Oct. 10, 2020
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Bloodhound
Five Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Leg, Loss Of Hair
My bloodhound recently has continuously been scratching and chewing and everything I've tried giving her a new diet and proving it with better quality because I was told that it could have an effect on the type of diet she's eating we've also been given antibiotics to give to her. But the scratching continued I'm 100% sure it was more anxiety because she doesn't do it when she's in the living room sitting with my children but if she is in her kennel she's absolutely doing it. Now in the past few days she's lost all the hair on her rear end and her right hind leg is swollen from the ankle up. She's not in any pain and she's I
Aug. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question, I'm sorry your dog is having these problems. This problem might be caused by a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, a parasite, a Mite, or an allergy. Since it does not seem to be getting better, it may be best to have your dog seen by a veterinarian. They can do a simple skin test to rule out parasites, and give medications for allergies if that's what's going on. If it is to the point where the leg is swollen, it would be best to have your dog seen as soon as possible. I hope that everything goes well.
Aug. 19, 2020
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Bloodhound
Five Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Leg, Loss Of Hair
My bloodhound recently has continuously been scratching and chewing and everything I've tried giving her a new diet and proving it with better quality because I was told that it could have an effect on the type of diet she's eating we've also been given antibiotics to give to her. But the scratching continued I'm 100% sure it was more anxiety because she doesn't do it when she's in the living room sitting with my children but if she is in her kennel she's absolutely doing it. Now in the past few days she's lost all the hair on her rear end and her right hind leg is swollen from the ankle up. She's not in any pain and she's I
Aug. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
10 Recommendations
Thank you for your question, I'm sorry your dog is having these problems. This problem might be caused by a bacterial infection, a fungal infection, a parasite, a Mite, or an allergy. Since it does not seem to be getting better, it may be best to have your dog seen by a veterinarian. They can do a simple skin test to rule out parasites, and give medications for allergies if that's what's going on. If it is to the point where the leg is swollen, it would be best to have your dog seen as soon as possible. I hope that everything goes well.
Aug. 19, 2020
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Chihuahua, jack russell
Five Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting, Excessive Drinking, Swollen Lymph Nodes,
Do I need to make her an appointment ASAP?
Aug. 4, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Swollen lymph nodes can be a problem, and having her seen right away by a veterinarian would be a good idea. She sounds quite ill, and they will be able to examine her and see what might be going on. Once they have seen her, they will be able to give you an idea as to what is causing this problem, and what treatments are possible.
I hope that she feels better soon.
Aug. 4, 2020
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Shepard/Retriever
Eddie
11 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Seizure
Swollen Auxiliary Lymph Nodees
Our Dog Eddie has had swollen itchy auxillary lymph nodes fro about a month and experienced General seizure about an hour after eating on a Monday. We had changed his diet about a month prior to include white rice. The seizures happened 3 more times that week until we fasted him on the Wednesday. His blood came back 100% normal. The vet took a slide from his hind leg lymph node and said it looked like she found cancer cells. She also did a ultrasound and said she believes that the entire left lobe of his liver is cancerous. We made plans to put him to sleep on the Friday. I had asked the vet on the Thursday to do what she would do if he was her dog in regards to whether or not to feed him. She fed him wet puppy food because he refused the home cooked meal we had prepared. He did not have a seizure and on the Friday we feed him the same puppy food and no seizure. Needless to say we didn't put him down. It is now Wednesday of the next week. His coat is shiny, nose wet and cool, great apatite, no lethargy, or any outward signs at all of cancer. I believe that he was fighting off a U.T.I., and coupled with the white rice in his diet, he became hyperglycemic resulting in seizure. If he really does have progressed liver cancer and lymphoma is it possible for him to be in such a good condition?
Siberian Husky
Aspen
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Lethargy
Decreased Appetite
Vomoting
Change In Eye Color
A few weeks ago I noticed an enlarged lymph node under her jaw on both sides. I took her to our vet where she was given a round or steroids and Clindamycin. She returned in 2 weeks and the lymph nodes were back to normal. This week the lymph nodes were swelling again so today we returned to the vet with vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite and weakness in her hind quarters. Today we did a fine needle aspiration and the vet is very certain it is lymphoma. Blood work up shows everything normal except the monocyte count and it was 40x more than normal. We left with the very likely probability that it is cancer and are planning on starting treatment as soon as possible. The dvm put her on prednisone and something for nausea and vomiting. My husky has blue eyes and tonight we have noticed that her eyes have turned green. Can someone please help me with some answers? My dog is so young and I cant imagine life without her
Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy) Average Cost
From 22 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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