What Are Swollen Lymph Nodes?
Lymph nodes are small glands in the lymphatic system that help regulate a dogs immune functions. These nodes help transport infection-fighting lymph fluid and white blood cells through the body via lymph vessels. When lymph fluid and white blood cells aggregate in lymph nodes to destroy toxins and infectious materials, this accumulation can cause swelling of the nodes.
What is Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy)?
Lymph nodes are an important part of your dog’s immune response. They belong to the lymphatic system, a circulatory network that produces and transports a white blood cell containing fluid called lymph. Lymph carries infection causing antigens to the lymph nodes, which in turn produce extra antibodies to fight the infection. Lymph nodes play a crucial role in the body’s response to disease, allergic reactions, and auto-immune responses.
Lymph nodes are found in many different parts of the body, including five external sites as well as inside the abdominal cavity and the chest. A condition or abnormality of the lymph nodes is called lymphadenopathy. Lymph node enlargement is the most common sign associated with lymphadenopathy. In many cases, short-term enlargement is only a minor sign of infection that suggests the immune system is working harder and white blood cells are congregating in the lymph nodes; however chronically or markedly enlarged lymph nodes are an important early sign of cancer. Primary lymph node cancer is called lymphoma, and it is usually marked by swelling of the affected lymph nodes.
Many types of leukemia also affect the lymphocytes and cause similar symptoms. Other cancers frequently metastasize to the lymph nodes first and may cause inflammation there as the immune system attempts to fight the neoplastic proteins. Veterinarians often evaluate the lymph nodes to determine whether a cancerous condition is in the final or early stages. Not all lymphadenopathies are cancerous. Benign tumors can also make the lymph nodes swollen, and chronic inflammation from an allergic reaction or a persistent infection may cause similar symptoms.
Lymph nodes are small glands that play a crucial role in the immune system in dogs. They are found in many different places in the body, both externally close to the skin and internally in the chest and abdomen. Abnormality or enlargement of the lymph nodes is called lymphadenopathy. This can be caused by many different diseases, including bacterial or fungal infection, and cancer.Youtube Play
Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy) Average Cost
From 22 quotes ranging from $200 – $3,000
Treatment of Lymph Node Inflammation (Lymphadenopathy) in Dogs
Treatment will depend on the cause of lymphadenopathy. Bacterial or fungal infections will be treated with an antibiotic or antifungal medication. If an allergic reaction is causing the problem, a specific allergen may be identified and avoided, however this is often difficult. Unknown allergic reactions or autoimmune responses will be treated with medication to reduce inflammation.
For lymphoma, chemotherapy medication is a common treatment. Medication should be started immediately since untreated dogs often die quite quickly. Lymphocytic leukemia is also treated with oral or intravenous chemotherapy medication. Other cancers that are affecting the lymph nodes through metastasis may be removable surgically, followed by chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
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