Why is my dog losing weight, tired, and has growing neck lumps?

Thank you for your question. A lump the size of a cupped fist on the neck of a 10 lb dog is a big lump!! I can't tell you exactly what it is, but there are a few possibilities. Depending on the location, an enlarged lymph node is possible, but that is pretty huge for a lymph node. I would suspect this is either an abscess or a tumor. You will want to get Zuki to the veterinarian so they can perform a fine needle aspirate, which is where they use a needle to collect cells and look under the microscope to make a diagnosis. If this is just an abscess, they might be able to lance and drain it and make Zuki feel much better. If this is a tumor, it will not be so simple. Until you can get to the veterinarian, you can trim the hair, and place a hot pack over the area for 10 minutes several times a day. If it is an abscess, this might help it break open and drain. But don't wait long to seek veterinary care, as it could get much worse. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Twenty pounds is a lot of weight to lose in three weeks, and that's very concerning to me! I would have Shady seen by a vet first thing in the morning. The swollen lymph nodes unfortunately could be a sign of lymphoma, which would also account for the weight loss. He could also have a severe infection causing the lymph node swelling. Please take him into the vet tomorrow. Best of luck.

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!

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

It's a little difficult to tell what exactly is swollen in your picture, but it's possible that Frankie has an enlarged salivary gland or lymph node, or something like an abscess. All of these things can occur suddenly. I would recommend having your vet take a look - they might be able to get a better idea from being able to see and feel the swelling in person. They might recommend taking a sample using a small needle (fine needle aspirate) if it seems like a lymph node or salivary gland is swollen.

This lump on Siu q could be a benign tumor, a cyst, an abscess, or a lipoma. It would be rare for such a young dog to have a malignant tumor, but it is possible. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would take Siu q into the vet today or tomorrow to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. As for the lack of appetite and lethargy, those are very general signs of illness in dogs, and it could be caused by systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. Because Siu q is going to see the vet for this lump, I would have a health check done on her as well to diagnose the cause of the lethargy and lack of appetite.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Luca! How old is Luca? He could have a swollen lymph node or salivary gland. A swollen salivary gland can indicate an infection, an obstruction or inflammation. An enlarged lymph node can indicate an infection or lymphoma (cancer) the swelling could also be a foreign body that migrated from him mouth (piece of stick for example). Luca needs an exam by a Vet, I would have him seen Monday. I wish you the best!