How to treat lymph nodes in a dog's neck. Inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) in dogs

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in dogs is lymphadenitis. In dogs, like in other animals, it occurs independently or secondary to other diseases.

The course of lymphadenitis can be acute or chronic. The localization of the process can be local or regional and systemic or multicentric, depending on the affected area. The superficial lymph nodes located under the skin and the internal lymph nodes located inside the cavities of the body can become inflamed separately. Also, internal and superficial lymph nodes can become inflamed together.

Based on the distribution of inflammation, one can determine the area of damage and suggest the systemic nature of the disease.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes can be specific, i.e. against the background of another disease (mostly systemic) and nonspecific, caused by damage to the lymph node itself or the area, organ, tissue near it. An example of specific lymphadenitis: brucellosis, lymphoma. Example of nonspecific: hematoma, caries.

There are also non-inflammatory causes of lymphadenitis:

Lymphadenitis will be manifested by an enlarged lymph node, pain, and increased temperature in the affected area. With systemic lymphadenitis, there will also be increased body temperature, lethargy, and refusal to eat.

Local lymphadenitis can become systemic if timely treatment is not provided.

Acute lymphadenitis sometimes develops into a chronic form; the chronic form is characterized by enlargement and hardening of the lymph nodes, while at the same time there is practically no painful sensation. The chronic form of inflammation of the lymph nodes can occur due to various microtraumas, chronic inflammation or frequent inflammation of various organs and tissues.

Lymphadenitis can be diagnosed at an appointment with a veterinarian by examination and palpation of the superficial lymph nodes. Inflammation of the internal lymph nodes can be detected by ultrasound. To identify the root cause of lymphadenitis, the following studies will be needed:

Clinical and biochemical blood tests.
General urine analysis.
Biopsy or aspiration cytology from the lymph node.
X-ray examination.
Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity.
Cytological blood test
Bone marrow biopsy

In severe cases, to clarify the prognosis and the extent of damage, a standard examination is supplemented by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment of lymphadenitis depends on the cause that led to it. If the cause of the disease is a bacterial infection, then treatment requires antibiotic therapy. If there were fungal pathogens, then antifungal agents were used. In case of allergies, the condition is stabilized with antihistamines or hormonal drugs. In cases of accumulation of pus in the lymph node, it is necessary to surgically open the abscess and install drainage. If the lymph nodes of the groin area are inflamed, castration of the animal may be necessary. If the cause of lymphadenitis in a dog is leukemia, then the main treatment method will be chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Prognosis will depend on the underlying cause of inflammation, proper treatment and response to it. If treatment of the disease was started promptly and correctly, and was carried out strictly under the supervision of a veterinarian, then the prognosis of the disease will be favorable. If proper treatment is not given, scarring of the lymph node may occur and the infection may spread to other organs. With systemic inflammation without proper treatment, the prognosis will be poor.

Thus, with proper maintenance, care, hygiene and treatment, inflammatory reactions from the immune system and lymph nodes in particular can be minimized.

veterinary endocrinologist "MEDVET"
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Even minor changes in the dog’s behavior should cause alertness in its owner and serve as a signal for a careful external examination of the animal. In this case, it is imperative to feel the dog’s neck and head. If the lymph nodes on the dog’s neck are palpable, this should alert the owner.

My dog's lymph nodes are swollen

The size of the lymph nodes in healthy dogs can vary greatly, which is associated with the breed, age and weight of the animal. In healthy animals, the lymph nodes are smooth, elastic, mobile, painless and moderately warm. In normal conditions, only the inguinal lymph nodes can be palpated in dogs, but the manifestation of cervical lymph nodes indicates a deviation from the norm, that is, the occurrence of a disease.

Lymph nodes, being an integral part of the lymphatic system, perform the function of filtering, purifying lymph, enriching it with lymphocytes and at the same time retaining harmful substances or infectious agents entering the body. This happens when the dog is healthy. But if pathogenic microorganisms enter the lymphatic system of a weakened animal’s body, the weakened immune system is no longer able to neutralize them.

In this case, there is an increased proliferation of the node’s own cells, leading to its enlargement. An enlarged and inflamed lymph node is characterized by: increased blood supply, tension of its capsule, pain upon palpation and increased temperature.

Causes of inflammation

The reasons that cause enlarged lymph nodes are very diverse - from an immune response to a viral or bacterial infection to malignant neoplasms or a reaction to mechanical compression from a tight collar.

If you notice that your dog’s lymph nodes are inflamed, then you need to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible, who will prescribe adequate treatment for the dog.

They are divided into: acute swelling of the lymph nodes, characteristic of acute inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, infectious anemia, glanders, rhinitis; and chronic swelling caused by chronic nasal glanders, chronic rhinitis. Hyperplasia occurs in leukemia and is characterized by an increase in the volume of all lymph nodes (not only cervical ones), which are located on the surface, that is, they can be palpated. Also, enlarged lymph nodes are characteristic of lymphoma (lymphosarcoma). The causes of this disease in dogs are unknown. The first “bell” of lymphoma is a very strong increase in the size of the lymph nodes in the neck, which do not decrease over time when the animal is treated with antibiotics, unlike infectious diseases that respond positively to antibacterial drugs and return to their previous sizes.

Thus, in a normal state, the lymph nodes in a dog’s neck are practically not palpable; the manifestation of lymph nodes indicates the occurrence of health problems in the animal.

Very often, animals, especially dogs, suffer from various infectious, viral or bacterial diseases. In addition to the main problems, side problems often arise that negatively affect the dog’s health. Such a disease is lymphadenitis, which can be primary or secondary.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes indicates the development of an inflammatory process in the dog’s body.

Lumps on a dog's skin do not always mean a bump from a blow. Very often this is what an inflamed lymph node looks like. In most cases, this symptom indicates the presence of a dangerous infection in the body, so the dog must be taken to the veterinarian. It is important to pay attention to the “bumps” and begin treatment, since other symptoms may not yet be observed at this time.

Most often, the animal experiences severe pain with normal touch. With severe lesions, swelling of the paws may be observed - such a symptom indicates damage not only to the lymph nodes, but also to the ducts. The animal feels unwell, its temperature rises, and its appetite decreases. If submandibular lymphadenitis occurs, the nodes become too large and make breathing and swallowing difficult. The dog wheezes, chokes, barely eats and sleeps poorly.

Attention! If, apart from enlarged cervical lymph nodes, there are no signs of disease, it is necessary to check the strength of the physical impact on this area - make sure that the collar is not strangling the animal or that the leash is not too tight during a walk.

Causes and identification of lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis can be caused by various reasons. Most often this occurs as a result of infectious diseases.

Very often, the cause of lymphadenitis is leukemia. Owners may not be aware of the danger while treating colds or other diseases that are not at all dangerous. Once a correct diagnosis has been made, it may be too late to start treatment.

It is more dangerous if there are large, often erupting abscesses on the lymph nodes that form fistulas. This situation indicates a serious infection. Often, owners try to carry out treatment on their own, avoiding contacting specialists. It is important to understand that this approach to any disease, especially one this serious, is one of the fastest ways to kill a dog. In addition, a cancerous tumor can manifest itself in this way, leading, as a result, to death.

The pet must be taken to the veterinarian as quickly as possible, without resorting to traditional methods of treatment. Among other things, purulent inflammation in the lymph nodes can lead to sepsis, the consequences of which are known to everyone.

To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a complete blood test, urine test, and a biopsy of the affected organs. Ultrasound and x-ray results are required, as this will allow us to understand the cause of the disease.

Forms and symptoms of the disease

Pathology can have a different course, be nonspecific and specific.

Specific lymphadenitis is a sign of one specific disease:

plague;
syphilis;
actiomycosis;
tuberculosis and the like.

This type of pathology is treated in conjunction with the disease that caused it. With a nonspecific course of the disease, no characteristic signs are observed, and it is quite difficult to associate the disease with the pathogen. Most often, or streptococcus.

With lymphadenitis, the dog experiences pain in the area of the lymph nodes, the temperature may rise, and chills appear.

The main signs of acute nonspecific lymphadenitis are weakness, pain in the lymph nodes, fever, headache, and general malaise.

Often lymphadenitis occurs against the background of the fading of the main inflammation. As the process progresses and turns into a purulent form, the pain in the area of the lymph nodes intensifies, the skin over them becomes inflamed and becomes red.

The nodes merge with each other and with surrounding tissues and lose mobility. The temperature rises to 42 degrees, chills, increased heart rate, and weakness appear. Inflammation can spread to the cells around the lymph nodes.

This type of pathology becomes chronic against the background of some others:

microtraumas;
chronic tonsillitis;
inflammation of the jaws, teeth.

The chronic form can be the result of acute lymphadenitis, which turns into a protracted course. In this case, purulent rashes practically do not appear.

Important! You need to know that enlarged lymph nodes mean the presence of an infection that the pet’s immune system is fighting. It is the responsibility of each owner to ensure examination by a specialist and subsequent treatment.

Treatment of lymphadenitis in dogs

Immunostimulants, vitamins, and antibiotics are used to treat lymphadenitis.

The appearance of bumps on the scalp, armpits and neck requires immediate attention. You should contact a specialist immediately after detecting these symptoms.

If it is not always clear where the problem came from, a detailed analysis and treatment of symptoms is necessary:

immunostimulants and vitamins (etc.);
antibiotics;
in the presence of ulcers - compresses for traction or opening and drainage;
on the recommendation of a specialist - warming up.

Prevention of disease

Considering that lymphadenitis is the result of other diseases, it is quite difficult to talk about its prevention. It is important to regularly examine the animal so as not to miss enlarged lymph nodes. Although in most cases the pet makes a full recovery, it is necessary to notice and treat manifestations of lymphadenitis in a timely manner.

Lymphadenitis is an enlargement (inflammation) of the lymph nodes responsible for filtering the blood and enriching it. If the pet is healthy and an infection enters its body, the activated immune system eliminates the “enemy.” Increased cell division, as a result of enlargement and inflammation of the dog’s lymph nodes, indicates that the immune system cannot cope on its own.

As a rule, by the time the lymph nodes become enlarged, the dog is already experiencing the first symptoms of malaise - weakness, elevated body temperature, poor appetite. The nodes that you can feel have a round or elongated shape and a smooth structure. The examination should begin with the head; you are interested in spherical seals, which can cause a painful reaction in the pet:

Feel the areas behind the ears and under the curve of the jaw - two pairs of nodes that enlarge first. Don’t be confused, the salivary glands, which have an elongated round shape, are also located under the jaw. Usually, with enlargement of the submandibular lymph nodes, asymmetry is visible on the animal’s face.

By palpating the tissue on both sides of the larynx, you can detect inflammation of the lymph nodes in the dog’s neck.

Next, you are interested in the armpits and shoulders of the front legs. Then, we feel the area under the knee on the hind leg.

We move to the inner thigh. In the armpits of the hind legs, there are inguinal lymph nodes that can be palpated in a “quiet” state. Normally, the nodes should be symmetrical and elongated, and not cause pain when pressed. Inflammation of the dog's lymph nodes in the groin, which is visually noticeable and guaranteed to be accompanied by fever and pain, and sometimes noticeable lameness on the hind legs.

Read also: Endometriosis in dogs: basic information, causes, therapy

Multiple enlarged lymph nodes may indicate leukosarcoma or leukemia. However, alternate inflammation of the nodes on the way from the hearth to the heart, for example, on the cheek and neck, is an alarming but natural phenomenon. This means that the immune system is already fighting, but the infection is spreading, encountering new “obstacles.”

Pay attention! If the dog does not show any signs of illness, and the nodes are enlarged only on the neck, the cause may be physical pressure - a tightly tightened collar or excessive tension on the leash during walks.

Forms of lymphadenitis

The type of course and method of treatment directly depend on the causative agent that caused the inflammation. divided into:

Specific- caused by a specific disease, sometimes plague, syphilis,. Initially, the veterinarian determines how to treat the underlying disease; with successful therapy, the inflammation of the nodes goes away as the patient recovers.

Non-specific– against the background of enlarged nodes, there are no symptoms indicating a specific disease. Most often, the causative agents of inflammation are fungi or bacteria.

Spicy– the lymph nodes enlarge sharply, and the skin over them becomes hot and red. There is sharp pain when palpating, headache, fever, weakness.

Chronic– the nodes are enlarged and mobile, but not painful. It is observed in the presence of hidden inflammatory processes or after suffering from serious illnesses, as a residual phenomenon.