My dog limps, has a swollen lump. Is it infection or spinal hernia?

Hello. It is possible for a swollen lymph node to be associated with a limp especially if the node is enlarged due to infection. Lyme disease is only one cause of limping in a dog & usually does not cause lymph nodes to enlarge. They will get big from infection, inflammation or cancer, so if you had not had the leg examined recently, I hope you can do so soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This large lump looks very infected, you need to take him to the vet ASAP in order to get it checked and treated, if this is just an infection a course of antibiotics will be needed but it could be something worse than that.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Dolly. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian when possible. Her nipple may just be a bit larger than the others. However, dogs can develop mammary masses. Her veterinarian will feel the nipple and surrounding gland to see if this may be the case. If so, surgery is typically recommended. Hopefully this is not necessary though. Her hindlimbs can be evaluated at the same appointment. If she is struggling to get around and jump, it needs to be determined if her legs are sore or if the pain is actually in her back. Regardless, this is likely a separate issue from the nipple. The veterinarian will try to determine where she hurts and may recommend x-rays of the affected area. Based on these results, treatment can be started to help her feel better. In the meantime, keep her quiet and carry her as much as possible. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Diamond needs to be examined by the veterinarian today. This could be a cyst, an abscess or a necrotic tumor. It looks like it could be infected whatever the cause. If it is a cyst or tumor, it will need to be removed. If it is an abscess, it will need a drain. It probably does hurt. She needs an exam, possible diagnostics, medications to address and infection (if present) and pain. She also needs an elizabethan collar so she cannot lick the area. I hope they figure out the cause quickly.

It really depends on the cause of the swelling, but usually pain medication the route you would have to go. Generally for issues like this that are not treated surgically, we manage the pain and inflammation with long-term medication at the lowest effective dose. While there are some potential side effects, most dogs can be treated rather effectively this way. It will be worthwhile to have a blood screen done to make sure the liver and kidneys are functioning well prior to starting the medication and it may be necessary to take blood periodically to ensure they are not causing any damage. Your veterinarian should be able to help you out with all of this. I hope that helps and Oscar feels better soon.

Oh no, I'm so sorry Harvey has taken a turn for the worse! Yes, it is possible that this is cancer, and if he has a swollen front leg and can bare little weight, I would be concerned that he is suffering from osteosarcoma (cancer of the bone). I would have him seen by a vet immediately to have his leg examined and x-rays. This will be very painful for him, and the x-rays can diagnose if he does have an osteosarcoma. Unfortunately, an osteosarcoma is a highly malignant, fast spreading type of cancer. Amputation of the leg is an option, and with amputation, the dog can have an addition three months of life depending on if the cancer has spread or not. I would take Harvey into a vet now. I'm sorry :-(

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see the bump you are referring to in the wrist area. This can be a mass, bone cyst, fracture, or infection of the joint and is likely painful. I recommend having your dog seen by a vet as soon as possible. Your vet can take x-rays to determine exactly what is going on. i hope this helps and that all is well!