SWOLLEN lymph nodes-ideas?

[pupaloo]

My 9 y.o. JRT Scarlett has very swollen lymph nodes-especially in her neck, but somewhat by her legs, too. Her glands were swollen on Saturday afternoon-normal before then. She has had blood, urine, stool and lymph samples taken-lots of tests pending. She had a blood test a month ago before having her teeth cleaned-all was normal. Tests for lymphoma were negative-results were "reactive lymph", not cancer. Her neck is very sore-she has had a fever on and off-she has reduced appetite. She has been started on clavamox and doxycycline.

Looking for ideas on what might be causing this-already thought of tick diseases, and most of the "obvious" stuff. Not sure what all tests are pending-ones that have come back are so far negative. I will try to get a list and add it here.

Any thoughts appreciated-thanks!

[EdA]

My 9 y.o. JRT Scarlett has very swollen lymph nodes-especially in her neck, but somewhat by her legs, too. Her glands were swollen on Saturday afternoon-normal before then. She has had blood, urine, stool and lymph samples taken-lots of tests pending. She had a blood test a month ago before having her teeth cleaned-all was normal. Tests for lymphoma were negative-results were "reactive lymph", not cancer. Her neck is very sore-she has had a fever on and off-she has reduced appetite. She has been started on clavamox and doxycycline.

Looking for ideas on what might be causing this-already thought of tick diseases, and most of the "obvious" stuff. Not sure what all tests are pending-ones that have come back are so far negative. I will try to get a list and add it here.

Any thoughts appreciated-thanks!

when I was a veterinary student my instructor in Canine Diseases made a statement that has stayed with me

"dogs with bilaterally symmetrical superficial lymphadenomegaly have lymphosarcoma until proven otherwise"

that means that multiple lymph node enlargement that is more or less symmetrical (the same on both sides) is almost always lymphosarcoma

lymph node biopsy may be necessary for accurate diagnosis and definitely necessary for staging prior to chemotherapy

[Gwen Jones]

I just went through the same thing. The primary swelling was in the neck and we treated for sore throat. Finally it got so bad that she was unable to eat and keep even water down. We did exploratory surgery and found a mass that triggered the whole episode. I just had her put down this afternoon.

Watch your symptoms, find a reason for them quickly or seek additional medical advise. Time is so important with these dogs. We do not have them long enough as it is.

Best of luck and thanks for the post. EVERYONE should be watching their dogs as closely as you have.

Gwen Jones

[Becky Mills]

I just went through the same thing. The primary swelling was in the neck and we treated for sore throat. Finally it got so bad that she was unable to eat and keep even water down. We did exploratory surgery and found a mass that triggered the whole episode. I just had her put down this afternoon.

Watch your symptoms, find a reason for them quickly or seek additional medical advise. Time is so important with these dogs. We do not have them long enough as it is.

Best of luck and thanks for the post. EVERYONE should be watching their dogs as closely as you have.

Gwen Jones

Oh Miss Gwen, I am so so sorry. We have had you in our thoughts and prayers.
Take Care,
Becky

[Montview]

I, too, would probably suggest having a lymph node biopsy done. Often times, even if they don't find neoplastic (cancerous) cells, they may find an organism or something else that can give you some more information to go on. Many times, a fine-needle-aspirate won't give an accurate diagnosis. At that age, I would be very, very suspicious of lymphoma/lymphosarcoma, especially if this came about pretty quickly. Praying that it isn't, though...

[Kevin Eskam]

Gotcha in my prayers pupaloo!!

[JusticeDog]

I just went through the same thing. The primary swelling was in the neck and we treated for sore throat. Finally it got so bad that she was unable to eat and keep even water down. We did exploratory surgery and found a mass that triggered the whole episode. I just had her put down this afternoon.

Watch your symptoms, find a reason for them quickly or seek additional medical advise. Time is so important with these dogs. We do not have them long enough as it is.

Best of luck and thanks for the post. EVERYONE should be watching their dogs as closely as you have.

Gwen Jones

Oh no. I'm sorry to hear this. I was praying for your girl. My condolences.

[Boondux]

Oh no, Gwen. I was hoping that we would hear good news about Tyra. I'm so sorry.

[pupaloo]

I am very sorry about your girl, Gwen. You are right-we never have them long enough.

Thanks, Keskam!

EdA and Montview, thanks for your replies. Our initial thoughts were that we would need to biopsy-and we still may. She has some symptoms that are not typical for cancer, so we are checking other avenues first-but not for long.

For anyone reading this, Gwen said something important that was reinforced to me yesterday. Every day, run your hands all over your dog, and pay attention. Learn what they feel like-where the bumps are, what's normal. Someone asked me how I noticed her glands were swollen-I said her neck looked swollen, and I felt her. This person was surprised, and said they didn't know if they would notice it in their dog. Most of us would see a limp-we are used to watching our dogs move. But how many would notice a lump before it was big enough to see?

[Andy Carlson]

Gwen I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Tyra. I know she's going to be missed.

Andy