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
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Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Rottweiler Husky Mix
Comanche
11 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Panting
Occasional Gagging
Two weeks ago my 11 year old Roski woke up with two golf sized balls in his throat. This happened overnight, they were not there when we had gone to bed. I had him on 10mg of prednisone (he’s 130lbs) for 10 days and the bumps did not go down. These bumps feel like they have changed from balls to flatter... bumps in the past two days. He is eating and drinking, he doesn’t mind when I check on his throat it doesn’t seem to bother him. He has been panting a lot but, it’s July in MA! He has gagged once or twice also but he was excited when this happened. He barks and howls just fine still but these lumps are huge I’m terrified he’s going to suffocate. I’m also neurotic. I’m just wondering what I can do for him at home. I also have his litter mate and she does not have these.
July 24, 2018
0 Recommendations
Whilst you mentioned that you gave prednisone, you never indicated whether you visited your Veterinarian or not; this would be something to visit your Veterinarian about to look for any other symptoms and possible do a fine needle aspiration to determine the lymph node contents to see if any cells present may indicate a cause. There are other glands around the throat including thyroid glands and salivary glands which is also why it is important to see your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 24, 2018
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Rottweiler
BARON
3 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollon Lymph Nodes
Our 3 1/2 yr old Male rottweiler was tested for the cause of swollon lymph nodes around the neck throat We recently had all his vaccines updated and gave him a snake shot because we just moved to las vegas from California. I noticed the swollon lymph nodes and took him to vet within 4 to 5 days .He had no other signs of illness he is eating drinking energy level is normal . The vet took fluid from the nodes and says there is cancer .We have been referred to a specialist for further diagnoses .The cancer was present in all three samples from different nodes around his neck and throat . We are devastated and clueless . I guess I would like some input on what we should do . If he has cancer in his lymph nodes with no other signs of illness is it possible to get some low cost treatment .What kind of testing comes next and what is the average cost for these test . What are some of the possible results or further treatment and costs should we anticipate?
June 20, 2018
0 Recommendations
The most important question is: what type of cancer is it? Is the cancer found in the lymph nodes originating from a primary tumour elsewhere in the body or is it a cancer of the lymphatic system? Without knowing this, I cannot really give you any specific advice as the advice would be too vague and not useful; you should visit the Oncologist and see what they have to say as they will be able to give you more specific information based on cytology results. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 20, 2018
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Labrador Retriever
Dexter
8 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Lack Of Appetite
Our dog Dexter has had Mass Cell Tumors on his skin since he was 3 years old . After having them removed when he was younger, we finally had him seen by an oncologist and received chemo for 8 months. Once he was done with treatment we brought him to an allergist and he got an allergy shot. They said his allergies were so bad he would need a shot every 4 weeks, but to monitor his skin and bring him back once his skin started getting red again. After 4 weeks he looked great but started having episodes of heavy breathing followed by a wretch. One day he didn’t eat breakfast and was off so I brought him to the emergency vet. They took his vitals which were fine and stated he may have a reverse sneeze. I brought him home (around 5pm) and he went and ate his food left from breakfast. Over the next week he kept having the heavy breathing/wretch episodes and on some days not eat in the AM. The following weekend I brought him to the vet for his annual visit and to follow up with his cough and change in his eating. Since he has been going on 6 weeks of not getting his allergy shot, the vet stated he may be experiencing allergies in a different form (his cough, not his skin) and gave him another allergy shot with the recommendation that if his cough didn’t go away in a week we should get an X-ray. They also did blood work which came back normal. The following Friday he refused to eat, was breathing heavy and throwing up. We took him back to the vet - he had a 103.8 fever so they did an X-ray - it came back that he had a large mass on his lymph nodes under his heart and lungs and his liver was slightly enlarged. They told me his prognosis wasn’t good and there wasn’t anything more we could really do.
We followed up with oncologist who took a biopsy of the liver and a sonogram and put him on steroids and Benadryl. His breathing is fine now and he’s back to normal. His sonogram came back clear but we are still awaiting the results of his liver biopsy. The oncologist also said that mass cell tumors don’t usually matasticise to the heart/lung area. Any thoughts on why there is a mass of lymph nodes in the heart/lung? They implied he only would live a short time and that the steroid would eventually stop working. We’re confused as to why they are so focus on if his liver has cancer if the mass in the upper area was what caused complications. Any thoughts would be appreciated as we feel we are on an emotional roller coaster in regards to if our boy is seriously sick or if he can be treated.
June 1, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I wish that I could give you a better answer, but without knowing more about Dexter, the ultrasound results, and the biopsies, I have a hard time commenting on his condition. If they think that he has lymphoma, that is quite different than enlarged lymph nodes due to infection. I would follow up with either your veterinarian or the oncologist, and ask for more details on what they think is going on, and what you are trying to treat. You may just need a better explanation to understand what they are thinking.
June 1, 2018
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Labrador
Browny
14 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Lymph Nodes In Back Leg
My friend's dog Labrador is 14 years old. one year on June agos was sick no eat for 5 days and took her to vet and put iv, then back home start eat and drink water, antibibiotic medicine. so one year past this year May 2018, her dog wont eat and drink water for 7 days, took her to vet again for iv then bring home, dog still no move all day lay test yesterday vet said has lymph nodes in back leg. so now dog breathing hard. already past 6 days. I dont know if this is any soon past one year since june 2017?? how long to live if one week no eat or drink water and always lay? is there any cure?
May 12, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Whether there is a cure for Browny depends on what her diagnosis is, and without seeing her, I am not sure what is going on with her. If she has an infection, she may need further treatment. If she has lymph cancer, there may be treatments unless it is very advanced. If she is not eating or drinking, and just laying and not moving, she needs to have a recheck with her veterinarian, as that is not normal dog behavior and she may need help.
May 13, 2018
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Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy) Average Cost
From 22 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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