My dog has a lip ulcer and neck lump. Why isn't it getting better?

She could have an infection in her mouth, a tooth or gum disease that is causing this. I recommend getting her in to see your vet right away as she sounds very uncomfortable. Your vet will do an exam, possibly labwork and/or x-rays and, based on these results, should be able to tell you what the problem is and how best to treat it.

Hi. I would recommend getting the cytology either redone again, or do a biopst to try to find the cause. The fact that it responds to antibiotics concerns me there is an infection somewhere that node is draining. I would be suspicious of the mouth/teeth. If cytology or biopsy comes back as reactive or unhelpful, I would plan a dental cleaning and dental xrays to look closer in mouth.

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.

Yes! If there is no improvement then he definitely needs a recheck. They can always aspirate or biopsy a sample of that growth to determine if it is a lymph node or a salivary gland because it may need a surgery ir simply stronger antibiotics. Blood work may not be a bad idea either to make sure there isn't a systemic infection.

Kona needs to be examined by the veterinarian. Nonhealing wounds are concerning for cancer or an autoimmune condition. Sometimes the vet will recommend a biopsy right away to get a diagnosis. Sometimes the vet will try treating for infection to see if it responds to therapy. The first step is to have Kona examined. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Antibiotics will only decrease the size of a mass if the mass is infected. If it is a benign mass, it will likely stay the same size and will not go away without surgery. If your veterinarian took a sample of the mass, they may be able to tell you what they think it is. Benign masses tend to stay the same size or grow very slowly over time. If it is enlarging quickly, it should be evaluated again. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Lucy evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!