Swollen Lymph Glands in Dogs Symptoms and Treatments:

A lymph node (also known as a lymph gland) is an important part of a dog's immune system, and is basically an organ that filters foreign particles and organisms from the blood. Swollen lymph nodes in dogs are usually an indicator of some disease. The presence of disease in surrounding tissues causes a lymph node to swell up, due to an increase in the number of white blood cells that are needed to fight the infection. However, lymph nodes do not swell up only in response to an infection. Cancer can also cause swelling of the lymph nodes, which is why swollen lymph nodes should always be investigated.

Symptoms of Enlarged Lymph Nodes in Dogs:

There are several lymph nodes in the body, and any one of these nodes can become swollen and enlarged. Swelling may appear at the base of the jaw, around the shoulder, near the joint of the leg, or in the groin area. Your dog may find it difficult to pass stools if the lymph nodes in the groin area are swollen. Canine enlarged lymph nodes may also be accompanied by nausea, which will lead to your dog refusing food or vomiting after having eaten. There may also be difficulty breathing in more severe cases.

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in Dogs:

There are numerous possible causes of enlarged lymph glands in dogs. The problem could range from something mild like a minor localized infection or a minor allergic reaction, to serious health problems such as infection of the lymph nodes themselves or even leukemia. To properly identify the cause, your veterinarian will need to perform a thorough physical examination, which will probably be followed by a blood test, urine test, and examination of lymph samples too. It is also advisable to provide your doctor with all the possible details of your dog's medical history, no matter how important they may be. This will help in identifying the cause of the problem.

Treatments of Swollen Lymph Nodes in Dogs:

Treatment will of course depend upon the diagnosis of the problem. As mentioned earlier, enlarged lymph glands in dogs can be caused by a huge number of medical conditions. The treatment varies greatly from one condition to the next. Minor infections can be treated easily, possibly by using antibiotics, anti fungal medications, or symptomatic treatments. In case of a more serious problem, more aggressive treatment will be necessary. You will also need to discuss the prognosis with your doctor, and then accordingly choose a course of action.