Cat has enlarged lymph nodes in neck and legs. Biopsy or blood test?

I recommend to discuss the lymphnode enlargement with your doctor since she has the test results. Lymphnodes can be reactive meaning they enlarge but the cause is not known. That’s very good if the aspirate of the lymphnodes did not come back as cancerous. Sometimes you never know why the nodes stay enlarged. Sometimes there can be an underlying allergy to something in the environment or food. Sometimes parasites can cause it. I recommend to discuss the continuing enlargement with the doctor and decide what makes the most sense as far as what to do next (if anything). I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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.

Thank you for providing pictures of Bunny biscuit's (LOVE her name!) growth on her leg. To get a biopsy, you typically need a good size sample of tissue and with smaller growths like hers, it makes more sense to remove it all completely now instead of having to back and remove the rest in case the growth is malignant. I would recommend following the vet's plan. I hope this helps :-)

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Syrup. I agree with your veterinarian's treatment plan. If Syrup is responding to treatment, then the course of antibiotics may be extended. I would recommend rechecking his protein levels after his treatment is completed as well. If he does not respond to treatment, then mass removal may be considered. I hope this information helps!

Hello, thank you for your question about Boomer. Based on the symptoms and the tests that have been done so far I agree with your veterinarian's concerns. The two most common causes of enlarged glands in dogs are lymphoma and systemic infection. Since the glands change size an infection is still possible. It could be that the initial antibiotic did not treat the type of infection that Boomer has. Alternatively, it is also possible that Boomer could have lymphoma, and the aspiration of cells could have missed the abnormal portion of the gland. In terms of the next options for testing/treatment you could try starting Boomer on a different type of antibiotic to treat potential infection. Alternatively, I would consider biopsying one of the enlarged glands as this provides a larger piece for the lab to review. Hope this helps, good luck!

Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The only way to know for sure what this little growth is, would be to have it tested in some way. The least invasive way to test is to do cytology, where your vet can use a needle to remove a few cells from the lump and look at them under the microscope. Cytology is not always 100% diagnostic, but it is minimally invasive and often allows us to gauge a level of concern, or diagnose certain types of common masses. The way to know for sure what that lump is, would be to have it surgically removed and send the lump itself in for testing (histopathology). Histopathology nearly always gives us a diagnosis, but of course is more invasive. While Silver's age (as a young adult) makes him less prone to scary malignant growths, and growths that are very slow to change may turn out to be benign, there is no way to know for sure what the growth is without having it tested in some way. You may choose to leave it that way, but doing so without having it evaluated in some way is a little bit of a gamble. I know this isn't an absolute answer - but unfortunately the only answer can come from testing the lump. I'd say it's worth having a vet take a look at the lump for peace of mind. Hope this helps.

Poor Little Bit! If it's his lymph nodes that are swollen, he could have an infection in that area causing the swelling. It could also be a virus, immune mediated disease, allergies, and even cancer though that would be rare in a cat his age. This is something that needs to be checked out by the vet, so give his vet a call now to make him an appointment. Best of luck, I hope this helps!