![]() ![]() When there are a lot of infected or damaged cells present, more immune cells journey to the lymph nodes to help destroy the problem. As we explained above, our lymph nodes are responsible for removing infection and damaged cells from fluid drained from the blood. This is probably the most common cause of lymph node enlargement. There are many reasons why your dog may have lymphadenopathy. Lymphadenopathy can cause other lymph nodes that are normally too small to feel, to be felt. Lymph node enlargement is called lymphadenopathy. They shouldn’t be hot or painful to touch. ![]() They should feel fairly round, uniform in shape and semi-hard. The size of these vary depending on the individual dog, their breed, and which node we’re feeling, but typically range from almost impossible to feel to around the size of a small grape in healthy dogs. Popliteal lymph nodes: found at the back of your dog’s knees/stifles.Inguinal lymph nodes: found in your dog’s groin.Axillary lymph nodes: found in your dog’s armpits.Prescapular/superficial cervical lymph nodes: found in front of your dog’s scapula/shoulder blade.These are the ones we can sometimes feel under our necks when we are sick. Submandibular lymph nodes: found under your dog’s jaw, though can easily be confused with the larger salivary glands that produce saliva.In a healthy dog, you can often feel the following (on both sides of your dog): For example, excess fluid from our legs is filtered by inguinal lymph nodes at the top of our legs.Īll over! There are multiple collections of lymph nodes in your dog but there tend to only be a few we can feel from the outside. Each part of the body is served by different lymph glands. This way our body can prevent dangerous infections or diseases from spreading round the body. These collections of tissue contain immune cells that filter lymph fluid for bacteria and viruses, damaged body cells and cancerous cells, before it drains back into the blood. At regular intervals along lymphatic vessels there are lymph nodes. More relevant to today, the lymphatic system is also an important part of the immune system. This is important to move nutrients into the tissue but the excess liquid must be removed afterwards – the fluid drains into vessels of the lymphatic system which carry it back into the heart to re-enter the blood. The lymphatic system is a collection of vessels and organs that has roles as part of the circulatory system and immune system.Īs part of the circulatory system: when blood moves around the body, some of the fluid ‘leaks’ out into nearby tissue. Lymph nodes, or lymph glands, are part of the lymphatic system found in humans, dogs and other animals. How Do I Know Why My Dog’s Lymph Nodes Are Enlarged?.Reactive Lymphadenopathy/Lymphadenitis:.Swollen lymph nodes can occur because of an infection, or they can be a sign of a more serious illness. If you feel an enlarged lymph node or you’re unsure, let your doctor know right away. Then check the vertical chain of lymph nodes along the inner upper thigh on both legs. To check the lymph nodes in your groin, use your fingers to feel the horizontal chain of lymph nodes along the groin crease on each side. Check the front and back borders of your armpit as well the inner border of your arm. Use the fingers on your opposite hand to feel the center of your armpit. To check the lymph nodes in your arms and armpits, remove your shirt and lift up one arm. Bring your elbows forward and hunch your shoulders when checking the lymph nodes above your collar bone. Tilt your head toward the side of your neck you’re checking to make it easier to feel for lymph nodes. To check the lymph nodes in your head and neck, move your fingertips in a circular motion in front of and behind your ears, around your jaw, down the sides of your neck, and above your collar bone. An enlarged lymph node may feel like a pea or a grape, and it may feel tender. Lymph nodes are located in your head, neck, arms, armpits, and groin. Checking your lymph nodes once a month can help you detect any swelling that could indicate a medical issue. ![]()
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