What is Lymphedema?
Swelling anywhere on your dog can be a scary thing to see, but it is even scarier to your dog. It may not be painful, but anyone who has ever had any kind of swelling can tell you that it is a very uncomfortable and strange feeling. Most of the time, the cause of your pet’s lymphedema is caused by another illness or injury. For example, swelling of the abdomen may be from cancer or heart disease, while swelling of the face, neck, or tongue could possibly be an allergic reaction.
Lymphedema is a condition described as a collection of lymph fluid in certain tissues in your dog’s body because of obstructions in the lymphatic system (lymph nodes, vessels, and organs). It is the job of the lymph vessels to absorb these fluids that leak out into your dog’s tissues from the capillaries. These vessels then send the lymph fluids back into the bloodstream, where they are able to be used in the immune system functions. The causes of lymphedema may be from a chronic illness or an acute condition such as an injury. It may also be a secondary condition stemming from another illness or, it can itself be the primary illness. However, with a primary lymph disorder, the symptoms are usually noticed in a canine when they are puppies under two months of age. The most common and obvious sign of lymphedema is the swelling of one or all extremities or the abdomen.
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Symptoms of Lymphedema in Dogs
Lymphedema is fluid build-up somewhere on your dog’s body. It can also cause other symptoms, such as:
- Swelling of any of your pet’s legs or anywhere on the body, including the face and abdomen
- Pain
- Weakness
- Change in skin color
- Refusing to eat or walk
- Any abnormal behavior
Types
There are several types of lymphedema. The most common are:
- Primary: Defective or missing tissue or organ such as lymph vessels
- Secondary: Due to a disease such as cancer, trauma or an infection
Causes of Lymphedema in Dogs
Higher occurrence in:
- Certain breeds (Borzoi, Rottweiler, Bulldog, Poodle, German Shepherd, Tervuren, Labrador Retriever, Old English Sheepdog, German Shorthaired Pointer, Great Dane)
- Injury or burn
- Tumors
- Infections
- Heart disorders
- Compromised liver function
Diagnosis of Lymphedema in Dogs
When you take your dog to the veterinarian be prepared to explain the symptoms you have noticed and when they began. In addition, you should bring your pet’s vaccination records and medical history if you have it. Be sure to tell the veterinarian if you have given your dog any kind of medication as well. Neglecting to do so can lead to the wrong diagnosis or a bad reaction when the veterinarian gives your pet medication. An extensive physical examination will be performed first, which will usually include weight, reflexes, body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, respirations, breath sounds, skin and coat condition, and pupil reaction time.
The veterinarian will also need to perform some diagnostic tests, such as a complete blood count, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinalysis, packed cell volume (PCV), liver panel, heartworm test, and an analysis of the fluid from the affected area. Also, a lymphangiography will be done by injecting dye into the lymph nodes before x-rays are performed. This is one of the most accurate tests in determining the reason for the lymphedema if previous diagnostic tests fail to find the cause. Additionally, the veterinarian may need to do an ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI for a more detailed view.
Treatment of Lymphedema in Dogs
Just like most conditions, the treatment for lymphedema is based on the cause or the lack of a cause. If the swelling is mild and the veterinarian cannot find a cause, the best choice may be to wait and see if it goes away on its own or if it gets worse. However, there are some treatments that the veterinarian can try, which are:
Pressure wraps
Wrapping the affected area with a compression bandage can help reduce the swelling right away. The veterinarian will show you how to rewrap the area so you can change the bandage on your own.
Warm water massage
Water therapy, or hydrotherapy, is great for dogs and their owners if done together. You may choose to have a professional do the massage if you are wary about doing it yourself. The heat of the water and weightlessness can instantly make your dog feel better. Continued therapy may be able to lessen the lymphedema or get rid of it completely, but that depends on the cause.
Medications
If your dog has any kind of infection or if the veterinarian suspects infection is imminent, antibiotics are prescribed. Corticosteroids can help get rid of the swelling right away, or a type of benzopyrone, which can also reduce swelling.
If the underlying condition is cancer, surgery may be the best treatment, along with radiation or chemotherapy. In the case of heart disease, the veterinarian will probably run some more tests or prescribe medication such as beta blockers or an ACE inhibitor.
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Recovery of Lymphedema in Dogs
Lymphedema is sometimes treatable, depending on the underlying cause. Continue to watch your pet for complications or the return of lymphedema. Continue to visit the veterinarian regularly as recommended.
Lymphedema Average Cost
From 566 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Top
Lymphedema Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Saint Bernard
Five Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
My dogs left leg has been swelled from last 2 days, the vet says there is accumulation of fluid as he’s not able to pass urine because of high creatinine (3.5 is the reading).What should we do, his kidney treatment has started from today. Any recommendations from your side how should we approach it from now?
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
Unfortunately, without knowing more about your dog's situation, it isn't possible for me to offer any advice. I think your veterinarian is doing a good job, from your description, and it would be best to continue to follow their advice. I
Oct. 20, 2020
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Australian German Shepherd mix
Ten Months
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Had Lymphodema, But Has Bad Infection In Rear Legs - Results Not Back Till Monday
Dogs leg swelled up really bad over the weekend, took him to ER vet Monday and he said he was in bad shape and if this was something unrelated to a trigger like an infection euthanasia might be the best option. I said to test and we’ll address it after we have facts. So he did come back with an infection but won’t know what till this Monday. Dog is on all those meds now and his legs have come down some but he has red rash like all over his legs and the skin is blistering and falling off as it continues to bleed. It’s blood not pus but I’m concerned he’s missing something? Can send pics.
July 10, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
From your description, it does not sound like they are missing anything at this point. I'm sorry that is happening to your dog, that sounds terrible. It sounds like he may have been bitten by a spider or a snake, if that's possible in your area? Many times, with that type of injury, the tissue necrosis can be dramatic and awful, but does heal overtime. It will be important to keep in close communication with your veterinarian if your dog is not hospitalized. I hope that he recovers well!
July 10, 2020
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German Shepherd
Mila
2 Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Leg
Drainage
I have a two year old German Shepherd with localized swelling to her back right leg for the last six months. I’ve taken her to the vet three times now; we had blood work done, x rays, urinalysis and cultured fluid from her leg. The only issue the vet could find was that the sample of fluid grew a resistant strain of bacteria when cultured. The vet gave us antibiotics two separate times and the swelling has not improved. Mila does not display any other symptoms; she’s energetic, eats, plays, goes to the washroom regularly.. she doesn’t seem to be in any sort of distress. However, every few weeks the fluid will drain from her leg from the top of her paw which seems to provide her with some relief, but the fluid accumulates again over time and drains again in a few weeks. Is there any recommendations as to what can be done? I was thinking of trying a compression stocking but is there anything else I can do for her or is this something she has to live with and hope it eventually subsides on its own?
Thanks!
Jenna
Aug. 26, 2018
5 Recommendations
With conditions like lymphedema, there is little that can be done unless the underlying cause can be established; placing a compression sock/bandage on the leg isn’t going to cure the condition, it will probably result in the fluid constantly draining from the leg. In these cases, it would be best to consult an Internal Medicine Specialist to see if they can narrow in on a cause so that the primary cause can be treated or managed. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 26, 2018
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Austrailian Shepherd Mix
Preston
5 Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
Limping
Swollen Foot
Fever (Sometimes)
Preston has a hind leg that periodically swells. When he was a little puppy it was swollen all the time. We tried all kinds of antibiotics and treated him for Lyme disease because he was found with ticks on him. After medication didn't help the swelling the vet told me it was likely lymphedema and to massage it when it swells. As he grew the swelling went down on it's own and would come back once every couple months. After a couple years we had to amputate a toe because the bone had deteriorated. After the amputation we had no more swelling for about a year and a half, then suddenly it came back. Now it flares up about once every 4 to 6 months. Is this typical of lymphedema? I take him to the vet every time his foot swells up but they haven't been able to find any underlying cause.
Aug. 25, 2018
6 Recommendations
Lymphedema may be primary or secondary and in order to start to treat the condition it is important to determine the underlying cause otherwise all you can do is manage a flare up medically but not addressing the underlying condition. If your Veterinarian has been unable to determine an underlying cause you should think about consulting a Specialist for and examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 26, 2018
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German shepherd mix
Max
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Heavy Breathing
Mild Difficulties With Swallowing,
Drinks More Water Then Usual
Golfball Sized Lump On Neck
Pain If Touched
My dog has a lump on his neck. It started really small a week or two ago, but now its pretty big. It's more on the right side of the front of his neck. We don't have the money to go to the vet, but is this a lymphedema?
Aug. 5, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are many structures in the neck and numerous glands (lymph nodes, thyroid glands, salivary glands etc…) which may be swollen, without examining Max I cannot say specifically which structure is swollen or what the underlying cause is; whilst I understand money can be tight, some things still need to be checked in person by a Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 5, 2018
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Buster
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fever
Lethargy
Inflammation
Our dog has a very swollen neck and face. The inflammation is rock hard. He has been on antibiotics for 4 days and the swelling doesn't seem to be going down. His fever has broken at this point and he seems to feel better. How long will this swelling last? How can we reduce the swelling on his neck and face?
Lymphedema Average Cost
From 566 quotes ranging from $1,200 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,500
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