My dog has swollen lymph nodes and is panting. Is she in pain?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Elphaba. I worry that bumps you have noticed are enlarged lymph nodes. I would try to feel other areas on her body for similar and symmetrical bumps. Lymph nodes are also found in front of the shoulders, in the armpits and groin as well as behind the knees. She will need to see a veterinarian to have her condition diagnosed, but enlarged lymph nodes can indicate serious disease. I hope this information helps!

In addition to increased body temperature, panting can be a sign of discomfort or pain, as well as stress. I recommend having a veterinarian take a look at this mass. They might be able to perform a fine needle aspirate to determine what it is, and if it is a cause for concern. This is a simple procedure that is done while Lucy is awake, and is no more painful than a vaccination. Cells are collected with a needle, and examined under a microscope. The panting may or may not have anything to do with the mass, but it is worth checking out. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are different causes of lymphadenopathy including infections and even cancer. How treatable lymphadenopathy is depends largely on what is causing it. For example, mild regional lymphadenopathy secondary to an infection is likely curable as long as the infection is taken care of. On the other hand, lymphadenopathy can be observed with cancers like lymphoma which is not a curable disease though this is more when all the lymph nodes are enlarged. I recommend you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment. They can perform a fine needle aspirate which can help reach a diagnosis and then treat accordingly. Good luck!

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that Daisy has been feeling so poorly. It is very concerning that she is experiencing difficulty breathing with wheezing, and weight loss. Difficulty breathing indicates that she is already in some degree pain with a diminished quality of life. Given her enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss, and respiratory changes, lymphoma would be my primary concern. This would be diagnosed by fine needle aspirates that use a needle to draw a few cells out of her lymph nodes for microscopic evaluation. However, even if you opt not to pursue further testing (which is understandable), I still strongly recommend taking Daisy to her vet for a physical exam and thorough discussion of her current quality of life. It may be in Daisy's best interest to consider euthanasia to alleviate her suffering. I realize that this is never an easy decision to make, but I hope that an open discussion with her vet may provide some clarity. I'm sorry that you and Daisy are going through this situation.

Lymph nodes can become enlarged because they are draining an infection or inflammatory part of the body, because the lymphatic flow is being disrupted, or because of cancer in the nodes. I would discuss additional diagnostics with your vet, which may vary depending on which lymph nodes are involved. Aspiration of the affected lymph nodes is easy and can often be done without sedation. The samples are sent to a pathologist for review. X-rays of the chest and or abdomen may be indicated. Ultrasound of the abdomen may be needed. Dental cleaning and removal of diseased teeth if the lymph nodes are near the head.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Arthritis will not cause lymph nodes to swell. If Rolf is eating and drinking you can wait to see your vet when they open tomorrow. If he is acting sick, I would take him to an ER vet to find out why the lymph nodes are swollen. Good luck and kisses to Rolf!

Swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of cancer, tick borne diseases, or infections. The swollen nodes will not go back to normal until the underlying cause is addressed. I'd recommend seeing a veterinarian - a test for tick disease or sampling the lymph node with a needle might be recommended.