Why is my dog's neck swollen again in the same spot? Is it cancer?

The ends of the incision look infected and very painful. She should be rechecked right away for medication for pain and swelling and further antibiotics. She may need some parts opened and drained and flushed to help minimize the infection. If the tumor was cancerous and it was not completely removed, then there is a change the cells are angry and irritated and growing again from inflammation. Try to apply a warm compress and keep the area clean until you can get her in.

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!

It is a possibility the cancer returned, but just based on looking at the area alone, there is no way to know that. I would say not to worry about Rusty yet because we don't have all the information. I recommend taking him to your vet so they can stick a needle in the area to determine the cause of the swelling. If it is cancer, they can discuss the next steps and his prognosis. Kisses to Rusty!

I'm very sorry to hear that, it's because the tumor was probably not removed entirely or because it is a malignant tumor that has already spread to other places. you will need to take him back to the vet to get it checked and assessed, your vet might tell you that it should not be operated again if he thinks it will keeps growing back.

In my experience lymph nodes can be enlarged for days to week after a dental cleaning if the teeth were bad enough. However best thing to do is aspirate the lymph node and send out the cytology. This will tell you for sure why they are enlarged and help you not worry.

Hello, thank you for your question about Skurge. Based on the symptoms that you are describing I would be suspicious that this lump could be an abscess, or an infection. Dogs get abscesses in their neck area not uncommonly often secondary to trauma or bad dental disease (less likely in your puppy). I would recommend having Skurge seen by your veterinarian so that they can examine the area and discuss additional treatments. Hope this helps, good luck!

IT could be cancer (lymphoma) but it could also be an abscess, i would recommend taking Tommy to the vet ASAP in order to get it checked, a simple fine needle aspiration test can help with the diagnosis.