The lymph nodes

The lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, can reveal some things about a dog's health. Swollen lymph nodes can indicate disease. Therefore, a dog's 12 lymph nodes should be examined regularly by the owner. If the owner notices swollen lymph nodes when palpating them, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Where are the dog's lymph nodes? Here you need to palpate

To palpate the lymph nodes, owners need to know where they are located. In dogs, these are located at the junction of the lower jaw and neck, in the back of the knee, and in the groin. The following lymph nodes or lymph glands are present in dogs:

Parotid lymph nodes

Mandibular lymph nodes

Cervical lymph nodes

axillary lymph nodes

Inguinal lymph nodes

Popliteal lymph nodes

Each of these lymph nodes is located on both the left and right sides of the respective body part. The axillary lymph nodes and the inguinal lymph nodes are located on the inside of the body.

Attention: If dog owners suspect a swollen lymph node, it may also be lipomas .

How does the lymphatic system work in dogs?

The lymph nodes serve as a warning signal for dog owners. If they are swollen or hardened, dog owners should take a close look. In the case of illness, the body flushes existing pathogens into the lymph nodes. The lymphatic system thus functions as the body's filtering system.

Why do lymph nodes swell in dogs?

In addition, the lymph nodes stimulate the production of antibodies. If the dog is sick, the lymph glands work at full speed and swell. They are the signaling lights of the immune system. Swollen lymph nodes in dogs can be a sign of various health problems, from harmless infections to more serious illnesses.

1. Infections: Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause lymph node swelling as the body tries to fight the infection.

Lymphocytes are the most important defense cells of the immune system and belong to the white blood cells. They include B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells and are found in lymph nodes as well as other organs such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

2. Inflammation: Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune diseases can also lead to swelling of the lymph nodes because the immune system is activated.

3. Allergies: Dogs can have allergic reactions to certain substances, foods, or environmental factors, which can lead to swollen lymph nodes.

4. Injuries: Injuries or trauma near the lymph nodes can cause temporary swelling while the body heals.

5. Reaction to medications: Sometimes certain medications can trigger an allergic reaction that leads to swollen lymph nodes.

6. Physical reaction: In rare cases, temporary swelling of the lymph nodes may be a normal reaction of the body to various stimuli that subsides on its own.

If dog owners notice swollen or palpable lymph nodes, they are concerned about their dog's health. The dog should not feel these worries if possible. Dog owners should monitor the lymph nodes for a few days. However, if fever or other symptoms occur, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.

The number and location of lymph nodes also help with the diagnosis. We would like to introduce you to some possible causes in the following section.

Possible causes of unilaterally swollen lymph nodes:

Swollen jaw lymph nodes: inflamed teeth

Swollen popliteal lymph nodes: Claw injury

Swollen inguinal or axillary lymph nodes: Infection of the joints

Swollen neck lymph nodes: possible respiratory disease

If a dog owner notices a swollen lymph node on one side of their dog's neck, this could be an indication of a respiratory illness such as kennel cough . However, the exact nature of the illness and its specific cause can only be determined through a detailed veterinary diagnosis.

Possible causes for multiple hardened and swollen lymph nodes in dogs:

Severe inflammation throughout the body

Bacterial or viral infection

Internal injuries

Systemic diseases

Tumor diseases

Only a veterinarian can make a correct diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment to help your dog.

What does a swollen lymph node feel like?

If dog owners want to palpate the lymph nodes, they should choose a time when their dog is calm and relaxed. During the examination, it's a good idea to talk to the dog in a calming manner and reward him with a treat. This way, the dog learns that examinations are a positive experience.

The lymph nodes can be palpated using gentle, circular movements. The lymph nodes can be moved or gently shifted during the examination.

Dog owners should record the results of their examination. This is advisable even if nothing unusual is found. If the dog shows signs of pain, such as licking its muzzle or yelping, the examination should be stopped immediately. The reactions should also be recorded.

Dangerous tumor? Evaluation of lymph nodes in dogs

The lymph nodes should always be examined on both sides. This allows any differences between the sides of the body to be detected. The more often dog owners palpate the lymph nodes, the sooner they will notice any changes. This is not so easy, especially in healthy dogs, because the lymph nodes are difficult to feel.

Inexperienced dog owners can ask their veterinarian to show them exactly where these are located. If any changes occur, the dog owner should note down which lymph nodes are swollen, hardened, or otherwise changed before visiting the veterinarian.

When should owners see a veterinarian about swollen lymph nodes in their dog?

If the lymph nodes show signs of change and the swelling or hardening persists for several days, a veterinarian should be consulted. This is especially important if changes in the dog's behavior are noticed. Symptoms can range from fatigue to refusal to eat and fever. In general, it's a good idea to always see a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the illness. The motto is: it's better to see a veterinarian once too often than once too rarely.

Important information for the veterinarian in case of swollen lymph glands in dogs

Dog owners should bring their dog's lymph node record, if available. They should also inform the veterinarian if and when the dog has been bitten by ticks. Since some dogs behave differently at the vet than at home, dog owners should mention any behavioral changes during the examination. If the dog has been abroad, this can be an indication of specific diseases. Dog owners should therefore inform the veterinarian about any previous trips abroad.

What are the symptoms of cancer in dogs?

Cancer is a serious disease that can also affect dogs. Symptoms can vary, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment. In addition to changes in behavior, loss of appetite, and weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes can also be an indication of possible cancer in dogs.

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system and play an important role in the body's immune system. When dogs develop cancer, the lymph nodes may become enlarged, swollen, and possibly feel firm. This can be caused by cancer cells that have spread to the lymph nodes.

Swollen lymph nodes in dogs and lymph gland cancer

If dog owners notice swollen lymph nodes and also observe the following symptoms: diarrhea, excessive drinking, fever, and a lack of appetite, this could be an indication of lymphoma. Cancer can affect a single lymph gland or several. If only one lymph gland is affected and lymph gland cancer is detected early, the chances of recovery are relatively high. However, since the various lymph glands are connected by a network, tumors can also spread throughout the body.

Therapy for lymph node cancer

Treatment for lymphoma in dogs includes a variety of options, each tailored to the individual dog and the severity of the disease. These treatment methods may involve a combination of approaches to achieve the best possible results.

1. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a common option and often a palliative treatment. It involves the administration of drugs aimed at destroying cancer cells or slowing their growth. Chemotherapy can be administered at intervals to minimize side effects.

2. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy can be used to treat specific areas of the body where lymphoma tumors are located. It is often used in combination with chemotherapy.

3. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy aims to strengthen the dog's immune system and help it fight cancer cells. This treatment can be effective in some cases, especially when other treatment options have been unsuccessful.

4. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be performed to remove lymph tumors. However, this is usually only done in combination with other treatment options and depends on the location and size of the tumor.

5. Supportive therapies: In addition to primary treatment, supportive therapies can be used to improve quality of life. These include pain management, fluid therapy, nutritional support , and psychological support.

The choice of treatment depends on many factors, including the stage of the disease, the dog's overall health, and the type of lymphoma. An experienced veterinarian will develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to the dog's needs.

C. Kaul