Why are my dog's jaw, shoulder, and armpit lumps swollen for months?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These could be benign or malignant growths. These could even represent infection sites or lymph nodes. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

The locations that you are describing likely involve Bailey's mandibular and axillary lymph nodes. Lymph nodes can become enlarged as a reaction to certain inflammatory conditions, or even to cancer. I would be surprised if her recent influenza vaccine or diet changes are involved. She needs to see her vet in the next day or two for an exam and fine needle aspirates of the affected lymph nodes. The fine needle aspirate entails sticking a needle into lymph node to draw out a few cells (its relatively quick and painless!) before examining the cells microscopically.

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.

I recommend you make an appointment to have Maya seen by your vet as soon as you can based on the information you provided. Lymph nodes can become enlarged for a number of reasons, including infection, inflammation, trauma, or, unfortunately, certain types of cancers. There are also salivary glands near the neck that can become enlarged due to dental disease, infection, inflammation, or even stones in the salivary glands. Your vet will be able to help you determine what the areas you are feeling are and help devise a treatment plan accordingly. Best of luck to you both!

Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! Oh, poor Ace! The most common lymph nodes that we can feel on the outside are the ones under the jaw/neck, the prescapular (where the front legs meet the neck) and the popliteals (behind the knees or "knee pit"). If you are able to feel lymph nodes that are larger than 1 cm to egg sized then the most common reason is lymphoma. Especially in a dog Ace's age and with the weight loss. It is easy to diagnose lymphoma by aspirating the lymph nodes. Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice but sometimes steroids alone can give a couple of months of good time. I am very sorry and I wish you and Ace the best! https://i.pinimg.com/736x/92/b8/6b/92b86b3ac41a6dc3e5912beb441068dc--lymph-nodes-pet-health.jpg

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Elphaba. I worry that bumps you have noticed are enlarged lymph nodes. I would try to feel other areas on her body for similar and symmetrical bumps. Lymph nodes are also found in front of the shoulders, in the armpits and groin as well as behind the knees. She will need to see a veterinarian to have her condition diagnosed, but enlarged lymph nodes can indicate serious disease. I hope this information helps!

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.