My dog's swollen chest and neck aren't getting better with meds. Why?

I assume the ER has run blood work to rule out an issue with the kidneys or liver where there may be low albumin levels in the blood resulting in anasarca which is where fluid builds up in the tissues because protein is lost either through the GI tract or in the urine? Swelling can also be due to infection which may show up on blood work as a high neutrophil count, for which systemic antibiotics can definitely help. I can only imagine how stressful this must be for you. Thankfully at an ER they will be able to intubate or even perform a tracheostomy if he really becomes unable to breathe. Hoping Jack improves soon!

I would worry that Vettie could have a disease like lymphoma if his glands are not better with antibiotics. I’d recommend making a recheck appointment with your vet. The next step might be to take an aspirate if the glands using a small needle and sending the sample to a pathologist to review.

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 difficult to know the cause without seeing the swelling. Your dog could have an infection, allergic reaction, injury, or a mass causing the swelling. Your dog really needs to be examined by a vet to determine the cause and then treat the problem. Your dog may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, or other medications to treat.

I can see the mild swelling or edema and redness. At this point, I would wait and see what happens. If it appears to spread, if the swelling becomes more pronounced, if Ronin develops hives, lethargy, poor appetite, or any other symptoms, I would get him check out sooner. Since he is prone to allergies, make sure he hasn’t been laying anywhere new or on something that may have used a new detergent or cleaner. The bottom of the chest wall is a common areas for contact allergies to occur.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria or fungal). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics or antifungal meds (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can be possibly started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking.

Oh no, poor EB! I'm very concerned that the swelling has gotten so big that she has trouble walking, sitting, laying down, and moving. I would be very concerned that this swelling could eventually affect her ability to breath. Based on what you have described, I would consider this a medical emergency as this is not a normal thing seen after surgery. She needs veterinary treatment now in my opinion, and waiting to have her seen could be life threatening. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. I hope this helps!