Why are my dog's neck and armpit glands swollen after her flu shot?

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.

Poor Daisy - cancers would be rare at such a young age but any time multiple glands are enlarged in an otherwise well dog it is definitely a concern. I would also be recommending biopsies of some of the glands to fully investigate the underlying case and to distinguish between inflammation, infection and tumours

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Jack. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. He will need to be examined. The swelling may be aspirated with a small needle. The cells are then evaluated under the microscope to determine if it is a lymph node, infection, salivary gland or a mass. Based in these results treatment can be recommended if necessary. I hope this information helps!

I would not expect swollen lymph nodes secondary to teething. Infections, including a bacterial infection commonly known as 'puppy strangles' can cause enlarged lymph nodes. The salivary glands are also in this same area and it is possible that he has inflamed salivary glands as well. I would recommend seeing your veterinarian for a physical examination to confirm that the lymph nodes are actually swollen. If the lymph nodes are swollen they might recommend a fine needle aspirate which is a procedure that uses a small needle to obtain cells that are sent to a pathologist for review.

Poor Sweetheart! The areas that you are describing and showing in the pictures appear to be lymph nodes, which get larger in times of infection (bacteria, viruses, and fungus) depending on the area of the body the infection is in. The lymph nodes can also be enlarged with cancerous cells. Sweetheart should definitely be examined by a vet, especially because the areas have been enlarged for such a long period of time, to determine the cause and determine an appropriate treatment.

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.

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bailey! Bailey needs to see your vet ASAP tomorrow. The most common reason for the swelling under his jaw are enlarged lymph nodes. With the increased thirst and swelling under his neck I am concerned he has a cancer called Lymphoma. He will need a physical exam and blood work. The most common cause of increased thirst with lymphoma is an increased calcium. Other causes for the swelling under his neck could be an allergic reaction, swollen salivary glands or lymph nodes that are swollen from something else other than cancer (reactive to something in his mouth or ears). The facial dropping sounds neurologic. 2 weeks is a long time to not eat. I would call tuesday when your Vet opens to get an appointment. I hope this helps and I wish you and Bailey the best of luck!