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small dog. has swelling around neck like, when people have the mumps.
Sent to Dog Experts March 27 02:03 PM

the femal dog can still eat her food ( dry & moist food. She dosen`t seem to be sick.

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Info Request
March 27 2:09 PM (5 minutes and 31 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
How old is your dog and what breed?
Where exactly are the swellings located- on each side of the neck? Or against the throat?
Are you finding any lumps or bumps anywhere else?
RGK -- Veterinarian100% Positive Feedback on 240 Dog Accepts
6 years experience as small animal vet, 17 years experience in the animal care field
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March 27 2:16 PM (7 minutes and 19 seconds later)
         
Reply to RGK's Post: 2yrs. old. swelling on eac side of neck. No lumps anywhere else.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 27 2:29 PM (13 minutes and 17 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
This is likely the result of enlargement of the mandibular lymph nodes (the nodes on either side of the neck just below the jaw). This can be due to a number of causes, all of which should be checked out by a vet.
She may have an infection (skin, teeth, ears) that is draining into the mandibular lymph nodes. Your vet will be able to determine this and get her started on the appropriate antibiotic or ear medication. Some inflammatory processes can cause enlargement of the lymph nodes as well, whether it be the result of an allergic reaction or her own body attacking the lymph tissue ( as in systemic lupus- a disease in which the body's own immune system attacks its own tissue).
Less common, but not unheard of in a dog her age, would be a type of cancer called lymphoma. This causes the lymph nodes to become enlarged and firm; often multiple sets of lymph nodes can be enlarged and the dog initially seems fine.

Your vet may elect to do a fine needle aspirate of the affected nodes to look for evidence of infection, inflammation, or tumor.
I'd recommend giving him a call and having him take a look at your dog as soon as you're able.

Edited by Vet help on March 27 2006 at 2:31 PM
RGK -- Veterinarian100% Positive Feedback on 240 Dog Accepts
6 years experience as small animal vet, 17 years experience in the animal care field
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