What are Lymphadenitis?
Enlarged lymph nodes are generally a sign of infection. In the case of lymphadenitis, the cause is typically of a benign nature, though malignant forms are documented as well. Abnormalities and swelling of the lymph node can result in symptoms that will alert you to the fact that there is an ongoing disease present. However, it can happen that your veterinarian will find enlarged glands that you weren’t aware of during a routine examination.
Lymphadenitis is the enlargement of one or more lymph nodes in the body. The lymph nodes, or glands, increase in size in response to the influx of inflammatory cells.
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Symptoms of Lymphadenitis in Dogs
The symptoms that you may see in your dog (in addition to these) will most likely be related to the primary disease that is causing the gland enlargement. If your dog has swollen glands, he may exhibit signs, or appear asymptomatic even if he is in pain.
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Distended abdomen
- Coughing
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- Excessive urination (polyuria)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Soft, tender nodes upon palpation
Types
Lymphadenitis is classified depending on the extent of range in the body.
Solitary
- A single lymph node is enlarged
Regional
- A specific anatomical area is affected and the lymph nodes are usually interconnected
General
- More than one area of the body is altered
It should be noted that severe lymphadenitis can extend into adjacent tissues, and can be classified as superficial or deep.
Causes of Lymphadenitis in Dogs
There are a large number of causes for lymph node inflammation, a few of which are listed here.
Infectious
Bacterial
- Brucella canis
- Streptococci
- Septicemia
Rickettsial (frequently transmitted by mites, ticks)
- Salmon poisoning
- Ehrlichiosis
Fungal
- Aspergillosis
- Histoplasmosis
Parasitic
- Toxoplasmosis
- Babesiosis
Viral
- Canine viral enteritides
- Infectious canine hepatitis
Non Infectious
- Drug reactions, immune mediated disorders like rheumatoid arthritis
Infiltrative (Neoplastic)
- Leukemia
- Multiple Myeloma
- Mast Cell Tumor
- Lymphoma
Nonneoplastic
- Eosinophilic granuloma complex
- Mast cell infiltration
Diagnosis of Lymphadenitis in Dogs
Part of the diagnosis of the lymph node inflammation will involve checking carefully for underlying disease processes. When you bring your furry family member to the clinic, be ready to relay as much information as possible in regards to the behavior of your dog in recent days.Your veterinary team will ask questions in order to learn more about the health status of your beloved pet.
- Has your dog been eating well?
- Does he have trouble swallowing?
- Does he appear to be in pain?
- Do you think he has lost weight?
- Has his behavior changed (energy level, enthusiasm for regular activities)?
Your veterinarian will order a complete blood count and serum biochemistry, to look for specific markers that may point to illness or infection (hypercalcemia and hyperglobulinemia are common with lymph node inflammation). A test called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) will analyze and identify tissues.
She may want to perform radiographs of the chest, neck, and abdomen, especially if she has been able to locate any glands that are swollen. An ultrasound can prove to be a good diagnostic tool as well since it can give a good view of organs that may be affected.
A fine needle aspirate, or needle core, partial, or excisional biopsy may be done for further investigation into the inflammatory origin.
Treatment of Lymphadenitis in Dogs
The therapy for lymphadenitis will depend on the cause. Antibiotics, antifungal medications, and anti-inflammatories will be prescribed as required. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation in the case of neoplastic inflammation will be considered, with regular follow up appointments needed to verify if the cancer is being eradicated.
Because the root of the problem can vary extensively, your veterinarian will discuss with you the various options or therapies required to best get your pet back to a normal state of health.
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Recovery of Lymphadenitis in Dogs
The recovery of lymphadenitis will depend completely on the response that your dog’s system has to the therapy. The age of your pet, their current health status, and the underlying condition will all influence prognosis.
Always complete any medicinal prescriptions that your veterinarian has prescribed, even if your pet appears to be getting better. Keep all follow up appointments as well, because many types of lymph node inflammation need careful monitoring to assure that they are being thoroughly dealt with.
Lymphadenitis can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Lymphadenitis Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,500
Top
Lymphadenitis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Lulu
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
5 days ago my staffy x was bitten on the neck by another dog and she was left with a small hole in her neck just behind her left ear. I took her to the vet and they flushed the wound and prescribed her with some antibiotics and anti inflammatories. I have just noticed her glands on both sides of her neck are swollen, could this be a reaction to the medication or something more serious?
Sept. 11, 2018
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Shih Tzu
Ollie
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
I have a 10 year old male Shihtzu-Maltese mix. He’s very energetic and playful. Recently I discovered the lymph nodes on both sides of his neck were slightly enlarged. His behavior hasn’t changed a bit, he’s been eating well and shown no signs of sickness other than sneezing a little more than usual. I took him to the vet and they think he has a sinus infection because she noticed his eyes were also slightly red. Other than that his check up went well and she said he was in good health. He was prescribed antibiotics for 10 days. With 4 days left of his medicine his sneezing has stopped but his lymph nodes are still enlarged, same size they were before I took him in. Should I be worried?
Aug. 29, 2018
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Scottish Terrier
Benjamin
4 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Hi, my Scottish Terrier is almost 4 years now and a few week ago i notice a swollen lymph node in his neck (at the area where the jaw and the neck join), but it went away in a few days. A few days ago I discovered it is back, now on both sides of the neck. I can touch it, but it seems to be slightly uncomfortable. He does stuggle with ear infection now and then. I took him to the vet yesterday, there is no other swollen lymph nodes. She did a needle aspiration, she could not see any cancerous cells. His ears are fine, he did have a slight fever so she took a blood smear, came back normal. He is happy and healthy and doesn’t look sick at all. What could it be? I am so scared of lymphoma :-(
July 3, 2018
1 Recommendations
Lymph nodes may increase in size in response to infections, inflammation, allergies, some cancers among other conditions; if your Veterinarian didn’t find anything suspicious on the fine needle aspirate or blood work and Benjamin is otherwise in good spirits I would monitor him for know and keep checking in with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 3, 2018
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Scottish Terrier
Benjamin
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
Hi, my Scottish Terrier is almost 4 years now and a few week ago i notice a swollen lymph node in his neck (at the area where the jaw and the neck join), but it went away in a few days. A few days ago I discovered it is back, now on both sides of the neck. I can touch it, but it seems to be slightly uncomfortable. He does stuggle with ear infection now and then. I took him to the vet yesterday, there is no other swollen lymph nodes. She did a needle aspiration, she could not see any cancerous cells. His ears are fine, he did have a slight fever so she took a blood smear, came back normal. He is happy and healthy and doesn’t look sick at all. What could it be? I am so scared of lymphoma :-(
July 3, 2018
0 Recommendations
Lymph nodes may increase in size in response to infections, inflammation, allergies, some cancers among other conditions; if your Veterinarian didn’t find anything suspicious on the fine needle aspirate or blood work and Benjamin is otherwise in good spirits I would monitor him for know and keep checking in with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 3, 2018
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Shihpoo
Ralphie
3 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Tenderness Upon Palpation Of Node
A week ago, I noticed a swollen lymph node on my Shihpoo's neck- right submandibular. Took him to the vet last Thursday (June 28th, 2018). Vet also felt the swollen lymph node, however, it was the only swollen lymph node on his body. No signs of infection at this time. She took a fine needle aspiration of the lymph node and reviewed the cells underneath the microscope. At that time, she said it did not have the "tell-tale" look of cancer cells and thinks it is more infectious in nature, however, she still sent the cells out to pathology. She put him on clindamycin x 7 days. The vet called me on Saturday morning stating that the lab results state "lymphoid hyperplasia" which just means a swollen lymph node. They said again that it is most likely infection, but very small chance it is lymphoma. The vet asked if I noticed any decrease in size of lymph node- at times, it does feel smaller, but then other times I second guess myself and I am not sure if it has shrunk? You cannot see it through the skin- if anything, it is less than the size of a grape, moveable, and I think it causes my dog tenderness because he moves away when I try to palpate. He is going in for a recheck on Thursday where I feel they will want to biopsy it if it is still palpable. I just want some reassurance that maybe it is not lymphoma? I hate this waiting game of not knowing what it is?
July 3, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Lymphoma tends to affect more than one lymph node, and dogs with that cancer don't usually feel okay, often stop eating and become lethargic. If the pathology came back as hyperplasia, that is a positive thing. Also, if it were lymphoma, the nodes would most likely be growing, not shrinking or staying the same. I hope that all goes well for him.
July 3, 2018
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Mixed
Ryley
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lumps Under The Jaw
About a month ago i noticed my dog’s lymph nodes under his jaw are inflamed. Took him to the vet and did an aspirate as well as a blood test. When they were doing the FNA, blood came out right where the salivary ducts are and vet said its probably swollen salivary glands. After this test the lumps got bigger and vet prescribed meloxicam for 5 days which significantly decreased the size of the lumps, even smaller than before I took him to the clinic. Bloodwork is normal. Three weeks later the test came back suggestive of neoplastic process, but he isnt showing any signs of illness. The lumps are also smaller now since they responded to the meloxicam the first time. I dont want him to undergo a biopsy since i dont want to put him through unnecessary stress. He’s acting fine now, but im still worried. What are your thoughts? Could it just be salivary glands?
Pit bull
No name yet
6 Days
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lymph Nodes Are Very Swollen
I am wondering if there is anything we can give our newborn puppy over the counter to help with the swollen lymph node. I am worried because this is the runt of the litter and already wasn’t doing as well as the others.
Lymphadenitis Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,500
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