Dog's neck and chest glands swollen after antibiotics. What now?

Antibiotics and steroids would be a guess of a treatment simply used to cover the possibilities. Enlarged lymph nodes can be a sign of cancer (lymphoma) or an infection. Steroids can interfere with a diagnosis of cancer but also help keep them comfortable for a short while It is best to have the gland aspirated or biopsied. The results can be back in 24-72 hours so you know exactly what you are dealing with. Generally a steroid and antibiotic can be started to cover your basis until you get a definitive answer. If it is cancer, then the antibiotics are pointless and can be stopped. IF it is inflammation or infection, then you are already on antibiotics to help cover you.

It sounds as though your vet initially suspected an infection causing the swelling around Lexi's neck. There can be some very minimal fluctuation in the prominence of the salivary glands and lymph nodes that are located under the neck, which can certainly occur with infections. However, other conditions can also cause swelling in these areas. Puppy strangles (also called juvenile cellulitis) is an autoimmune condition that can cause some pretty prominent swellings around the neck. Given Lexi's age, this would be my first suspicion. Other issues, including lymphoma or a salivary mucocele, are always possible, although they'd be highly unlikely in such a young puppy. At this point, I think your next step is to take Lexi back to her vet for a follow up visit. Your vet will likely want to run some diagnostic testing on this swelling or even some baseline blood work to check her blood cell counts and organ function. Depending on their findings, they may prescribe steroids to help treat puppy strangles or another medication to treat a different condition. I hope that everything goes well!

When there is a swelling in the area beneath the jawline, particularly if It is on both sides of the neck, it is typically one of two different things: swelling of lymph nodes or swelling of salivary glands. It would be unlikely to see this type of side effect from an immunization but not unheard of. More than likely I would expect to see it from having something lodged in that area. Typically we see localized reactions to these lymph nodes when an area nearby them is aggravated (such as the throat or mouth). If there is still something lodged in the throat, I would recommend having your vet determine if the objects needs to be manually removed before an incident occurs. Causes of severely swollen salivary glands are typically from trauma, which may or may not be due to something lodged in the throat / mouth. If the swelling seems to be getting bigger somewhat rapidly rather than subsiding, I would be concerned that this is the issue. Typically, this is a problem that may require the intervention of a specialist to resolve. Generalized swelling of the lymph nodes can be caused by infection / inflammation anywhere in the body. Hope this helps. If you are continuing to become concerned, I would recommend a physical exam by your veterinarian at your next convenience.

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.

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.

Coco may need to be examined again by the veterinarian. That treatment is generally used to treat an allergic reaction but if it isn't helping, then it may not be an allergic reaction. Pets can get a bacteria-related celluitis or if there is a blockage of the lymphatic system by a tumor. Coco likely needs to be re-examined and may need a chest radiograph to look for any masses or other explanation. Dogs can get edema but it's not common. It's time to go looking for other causes. Best of luck.

It sounds like Hero is starting to feel better based on your information. Swollen lymph nodes can be secondary to infection, inflammation or local disease. It is possible the antibiotics has helped the lymph nodes go back to normal size. Unfortunately with out additional testing like X-rays or aspirates of the lymph nodes it is hard to give you additional direction. I would recommend following up with your vet to make sure Hero makes a speedy recovery. I hope that helps